Austria and the Big Lie

Lies are widely spread in Austria. Particularly in politics the lie seems to have become the program. Our Finance Minister pictured here, Gernot Blümel, became famous in this regard when he testified as a witness in the parliamentary committee of inquiry into the “Ibiza” corruption scandal. When asked whether he could rule out the possibility that the Novomatic gambling company has ever offered him donations, he replied:

“I can rule out that I can remember that this was an issue.” In total, he had “no memory” or “no perception” 86(!) times during this interrogation. And instead of the promised “complete clarification” we have been fobbed off with the same dogged standing sentences until today.

First, one wonders what these people are getting paid for. And secondly, the question arises, why do we all accept this in such a way? I only have one explanation for this. It’s the “Christ Child Theory”:

The most beautiful celebration for us Austrians is Christmas, without any doubt. Since our early childhood we are looking forward to it for weeks, some for the whole year. Christmas is the festivity of joy, peace and presents.

Since our early childhood we have been told that these presents are brought by “the Christ Child”. As we grew up, we gradually realized that this version might not be entirely true. As children, we could never prove it, unless we had peeked through the keyhole at some point and caught our parents decorating the tree and wrapping the presents the night before. But thank God it was forbidden to do this. Besides, all of this happened when everyone has to sleep peacefully.

None of us would have wished to be sleepless in the night before Christmas, to get up from bed, illegally go to the living room and catch our parents there. What good would it have been? The cost of breaking such a prohibition would have been inconceivable, unthinkable. Instead, we pretended to sleep and afterwards thanked politely for the gifts.

Politicians like Gernot Blümel capitalize on this story. Just like at Christmas, they promise us presents. Just like at Christmas, we can wish for anything. Just like at Christmas, the costs are supposedly paid by someone else. Just like at Christmas, we just should believe it. Just like at Christmas, questions are not welcome. Just like at Christmas, everything remains a big secret.

Just like then, however, we sense that something is wrong with this story. Just like then, we don’t dare to speak it out. Just like then, this lie fills us with shame. Just like then, we therefore pretend not to notice anything. And just like then, everyone is taking part in this game.

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