"Tension palpable"

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(Bild: krone.tv)

Even if the parliamentary inquiry committees are about clarification - the big headlines - and what sticks for the parties, but also for the voters, is election campaigning, explains "Krone" journalist Nikolaus Frings. "One committee of inquiry only exists because of the other. It's clarification, but it's also an election campaign."

Frings is following both committees for the "Krone" and draws an initial conclusion: "All the major parties are doing little to nothing to help each other. I think it might really help the protest parties or the beer party. Even if you have to say that really relevant things are uncovered in the committees."

"A room full of questions awaits Benko"
In any case, the one or other person invited to provide information in the two sub-committees is eagerly awaited. "If Rene Benko testifies, a room full of questions awaits. Because the COFAG sub-committee is really only about Benko." It is in fact the Benko sub-committee, even the Green parliamentary group leader Nina Tomaselli said. 

"Krone" domestic politics journalist Nikolaus Frings

(Bild: krone.tv)

It is also questionable whether FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, who has presumably already been invited to the committee, will attend. "I think Kickl will think twice about it. And if he comes, he could also use the appearance as a stage - after all, he is very adept at rhetoric."

"No one wants to lean out too far"
In general, the atmosphere in the committees is strange. A screen serves as a privacy shield from the journalists. The tension between the parties is palpable: "A bit skeptical, a bit cautious. No one wants to lean out too far and the super election year is looming over everything," outlines Frings.