Austrian Defense Minister Defends Military Service Extension, Seeks Finance Minister's Help

Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner is defending a recently reached compromise on military service reform, which extends mandatory service from six to nine months. This extension includes three additional months of reserve duty.

Tanner, from the ÖVP party, is actively seeking financial contributions to cover the costs of the extended service. She indicated that Finance Minister Marterer has expressed willingness to discuss the matter. "Marterbauer said he would be ready to talk," Tanner stated, adding, "In the current security policy situation, this money will be found."

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Marterbauer said he would be ready to talk. In the current security policy situation, this money will be found.

The negotiations for the military service reform were protracted, lasting over six months. The government finally agreed on a compromise that lengthens military service. Civilian service, however, will remain at nine months for the time being. Tanner commented on the political process, stating, "Personally, I don't quite understand the position of the Neos," but acknowledged, "That's democracy: seeking a majority, striving for it, and then reaching a result."

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Personally, I don't quite understand the position of the Neos. But that's democracy: seeking a majority, striving for it, and then reaching a result.