Political turmoil in Lower Austria:

Support for association of corona denier Rutter

Der Kärntner Ex-Politiker und Anti-Corona-Maßnahmen-Aktivist Martin Rutter

(Bild: APA/FLORIAN WIESER)

As part of the Covid Fund, associations in Lower Austria have recently been able to apply for support. An application from the association for vaccination victims led by ex-politician and coronavirus denier Martin Rutter has now also been approved. This is now causing a political row between the parties.  

The application from Rutter's association complied with the guidelines, a spokesperson for FPÖ provincial councillor Christoph Luisser stated on Tuesday. 

Association invites to information event
An invitation to an information event on May 5 in Leobendorf (Korneuburg district) can be found on the website of the Association for Vaccination Victims, as well as the note: "Our event is supported by the state of Lower Austria."

The Carinthian ex-politician and anti-corona measures activist Martin Rutter

(Bild: APA/FLORIAN WIESER)

"Vaccine-injury-experienced doctor" as speaker
A "doctor with experience of vaccine damage" and a lawyer are to speak at the "lecture for people with vaccine damage and Long Covid victims", and support will also be offered for applications for funding for the Corona Relief Fund. The chairman of the association is Martin Rutter. The former Carinthian politician is considered an anti-corona activist and opponent of the measures.

The association for vaccination victims has applied for support for events, for example, but no money has yet been received, explained Luisser's spokesperson. The state's specialist department is responsible for processing the applications. Invoices and proof of payment still need to be submitted for the funding to be paid out. Who is responsible for the association is not an issue in the guidelines, the spokesperson stated.

The Greens are furious
Silvia Moser, member of parliament and social spokesperson for the Greens, was furious about the corona aid to Rutter's association. "The FPÖ surrounds itself with conspiracy theorists and is cashing in shamelessly and unscrupulously wherever it can," she reacted. The People's Party looks on paralyzed and finances these activities with taxpayers' money. "Governor Mikl-Leitner must stop such financial contributions to the right-wing camp," said Moser.

The FPÖ surrounds itself with conspiracy theorists and cashes in shamelessly and unscrupulously wherever it can.

Silvia Moser, Landtagsabgeordnete und Sozialsprecherin der Grünen

Seat in Carinthia: NEOS demand clarification
NEOS regional party leader Indra Collini pointed out that Rutter's association is based in Carinthia. She therefore called for an immediate review of the approved funding. "The fact that tax money from Lower Austria is flowing to liberal friends in Carinthia is unacceptable," Collini emphasized in a press release.

The Corona Fund has "clear rules and strict funding criteria" that must be adhered to, explained Franz Dinhobl, member of parliament and health spokesperson for the People's Party. The strict allocation guidelines have worked well so far. "I expect the responsible provincial councillor to continue to ensure that the funding is allocated correctly in the future," the ÖVP mandatary stated.

The strict allocation guidelines have worked well so far. I expect the responsible provincial councillor to continue to ensure that the funding is allocated correctly in the future.

Franz Dinhobl, Landtagsabgeordneter und Gesundheitssprecher der ÖVP

Covid relief fund has been in place since summer 2023
The Lower Austrian Covid relief fund for corona consequences, which was launched by the Black-Blue coalition, was launched in the summer of last year with the reimbursement of Covid penalties. From September 1, 2023 until the end of February 2025, Lower Austrians can submit applications, for example for therapy for psychological problems, long Covid damage, tutoring costs and vaccination impairments, i.e. consequences that are not covered by the Vaccination Damage Act.

Since March this year, associations have also been able to submit projects. Among others, organizations "that offer services with the aim of advocating for the interests of people who have suffered damage or impairment due to Covid-19 vaccinations or Covid-19 diseases" can apply for funding. According to the information provided, 27 associations have submitted applications so far.