Only far-right politicians in Austria objected to the adult vaccination mandate. Meanwhile, everyday infection rates in Germany have reached new highs. The most recent information is available at DW.
The Austrian parliament passed a vaccine mandate on Thursday, requiring all people in the country to get vaccinated against COVID-19 starting in February. Despite tens of thousands of irate residents protesting such measures in Austria and around Europe, Austria has become the first EU country to pass a vaccine mandate.
The law enjoyed broad support in parliament, with only far-right legislators voting against it in a 137-33 tally. After an “introductory phase” ending mid-March, those who refuse to get the shot will face fines of up to €3,600 ($4,084). The mandate only applies to adults and makes exemptions for pregnant women and those with medical conditions that prevent them from getting the jab.
During Thursday’s parliamentary debate, Herbert Kickl, the leader of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FP) — which has also worked to win over voters wary about coronavirus vaccines — screamed against the measure, alleging it “paves the way to tyranny in Austria.” Kickl stated that he would continue to avoid vaccinations on his own.
Center-right “Vaccination is an opportunity for our society to attain lasting and continual freedom, because the virus cannot confine us any further,” Chancellor Karl Nehammer told reporters.
