Abela’s visit to Vienna largely unreported in Austrian media

Neither the major newspapers, TV channels, radio stations and news websites, nor the public broadcaster ORF reported on the government leaders’ talks.

ORF only published a now archived news agency report on Malta’s alternative appointment to chair the OSCE in 2024 after Russia vetoed Estonia.

In Maltese media, Monday’s announcement of Malta being second – but the only unanimous – choice for this position was downright celebrated.

However, the Austrian public broadcaster did not feature this news or the leaders’ talks in any of its high-reach TV and radio news bulletins.

Only the heavily government-sponsored giveaway tabloid Heute (‘Today’) covered Abela’s meeting with Nehammer itself.

Report: Focus on ‘illegal migration’

The newspaper solely reported about Chancellor Nehammer’s statements on a “joint fight against illegal immigration”.

Under the leadership of Karl Nehammer, the successor of Sebastian Kurz, the Austrian People’s Party has further sharpened its anti-immigrant tone.

Malta was in a special position in efforts to “stop migrant arrivals” due to its close contacts to North African states, Nehammer said.

“We expressly support Malta’s project of supporting the Libyan coast guard because this is also a significant contribution to security”, he said.

A press release issued by Malta’s Office of the Prime Minister avoided such specific references and language.

Human rights NGOs have long accused Malta of applying a deliberate policy of non-assistance at sea, implicitly colluding with Libya’s coast guard.

Many criticise the fact that Libya also receives funds and training from the European Union to keep migrants back from EU shores.

Cover Image: Bundeskanzleramt der Republik Österreich