Source: Global Times New Media
Recently, due to the impact of the energy crisis and other factors, the inflation rate in Europe has continued to rise. Last month, inflation in eurozone countries reached a staggering 8.6 percent, a 25-year high. In this context, some European leaders have also constantly warned of high inflation. Austrian Chancellor Carl Nehma's remarks in recent days have aroused attention on social media and have also caused a lot of controversy.
According to a number of Russian media reports such as Russia Television (RT) on the 12th, Nehammer said at a meeting of Austria's ruling People's Party last week that the EU is facing an "enemy", that is, "ridiculously high" energy costs and inflation. He warned that if EU leaders fail to meet these challenges, Europeans may have no other option to help overcome the difficulties – other than alcohol and drugs.
"Austria: Alcohol may be a last resort for Europeans," the RT reported, saying that Nehammer said the EU must take steps to combat rising prices and energy costs "so that we don't push up inflation, but work together to control it." Nehmer also stressed to his party colleagues that it was "not an easy task."
Nehammer warned, "If we continue like this, you will only have two options in the future: alcohol or psychotropic drugs." He added: "Alcohol is basically OK, but... It's important to go and have another drink when you're feeling good. ”
Mr. Nehammer's witty remarks reportedly sparked controversy and criticism, with Michael Schnedlitz, an Austrian lawmaker and liberal secretary-general, accusing Mr. Nehammer of "flippant remarks" as merely indicating that his government was "utterly defeated" and that the government was "overwhelmed" in the face of difficulties. He called Nehammer the "wrong person" for the prime minister and called for an early election.
Franz Schnabl, an Austrian Social Democrat, took to social media to denounce the BJP's "degeneration", saying Nehammer's jokes were "unbearable" at a time when "a significant part of the country is falling into poverty".
Nehammer's remarks also caused a lot of discussion on social media, and some people released videos of his speeches.
The Austrian Chancellor's Office sought to quell the storm by clarifying through The Crown that Nehammer was simply trying to "convey confidence" with his joke.
But some people didn't buy the explanation, with some people laughing at it on social media, saying, "If you find yourself in a hole, don't dig it." When you stop digging, you're still in the hole. ”
Someone quoted Nehammer and joked: "I would say that mushrooms are the cheapest option because alcohol also comes from Russia." ”