Digging up mass graves, Belakovich questions Gell: "Did you enjoy yourself, comrade Gell?"
In April 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky touched down in Vienna, prompting chaos when Freedom Party (FPÖ) MP Dagmar Belakowitsch lashed out in a heated exchange. Stirring the pot amidst Austria's policies towards Ukraine and Western support, Belakowitsch questioned Zelensky's visit legitimacy, drawing accusations of compliancy with U.S. and EU pressure.
The incident, captured by media outlets, showed Belakowitsch locked horns with journalists and security personnel, leaving onlookers stunned. Her remarks were deemed inflammatory by many, igniting a considerable backlash across Austrian media and political circles. Critics accused her of undermining Austria’s diplomatic efforts and showing a lack of solidarity with Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
In response, the FPÖ looked to distance itself from Belakowitsch's comments, stressing the importance of respectful political discourse. Nonetheless, this episode underscored the internal divisions within Austria regarding the handling of the Ukraine crisis, and highlighted the delicate nature surrounding Zelensky's high-profile visit.
The incident involving FPÖ MP Dagmar Belakowitsch during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Vienna in April 2023 was widely covered by general news and politics media outlets, as her inflammatory remarks raised questions about Austria's position in war-and-conflicts such as the Ukraine crisis. The aftermath of this episode revealed a divide within Austria on how to handle the crisis, with some of the general news, crime-and-justice, and politics discussions focusing on the alleged lack of solidarity displayed by Belakowitsch.
