But when she was elected to the National Council, Griss was supported by NEOS, a progressive pro-EU party that has vigorously championed women’s rights.
Kronen Zeitung reported that the NEOS-representative Griss spoke out on the topic of migration. On a talk show at Servus TV, Griss said: “If he [migrant] won’t recognize our values, in terms of not recognizing the equality of women… I think we can get over that.”
And her answer to a critic Henryk Broder’s objection simply was: “Yes we’ll have to live with it.”
NEOS however has meanwhile been campaigning for the equality of women and for the strengthening and furthering of women’s rights in Austria. The party has also presented the feminist speaker Claudia Gamon as a top candidate to the coming EU-elections in May.
Viewers of the talk show Hangar 7 on Servus TV were surprised to learn that the former president of Austria’s Supreme Court, voiced the following opinion concerning deportation of asylum seekers that pose a risk: “If he [migrant] is not a thief, if he doesn’t kill anyone, if he’s not delinquent, even if he does not accept our values, meaning he’s against women’s equality — oh, well, we can get over that.”
Broder, a well known author, who was also invited to the show, interrupted Griss: “Get over that? Maybe not his daughter!” And he made a clear gesture of his hand on his neck, implying decapitation.
Griss’ nonchalant answer to Broder was: “Pfft, she can defend herself,” in a very disparaging tone of voice. Her outrageously dismissive comment shocked viewers.
The NEOS politician did not get sidetracked in advocating for more tolerance for outdated and criminal behavior among migrants. In fact she doubled down: “We have to remain realistic. Yes. We are going to have to live with that.”
On social media Griss’ statements were met with indignation: “Irmgard Griss from the NEOS says here very unironically that we can get over it when people come to Austria who do not acknowledge our values, such as gender equality.”
And the sociologist Bernhard Heinzlmaier commented with sarcasm: “So it is clear: Irmgard Griss should absolutely have become our president. She always finds the right words. Thank you.”