Doskozil returns to Burgenland parliament after larynx removal

Hans Peter Doskozil made his return to the Burgenland parliament on Wednesday, delivering his first speech with a voice prosthesis since undergoing larynx removal last April. He appeared at a special session devoted to the state’s finances in Eisenstadt, where he defended the record of his administration and again criticized René Wenk, director of the Burgenland Court of Audit.

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Things are being presented incorrectly.

Doskozil opened by saying he was proud of his financial policy and willing to take responsibility for it. The criticism from the audit office and the opposition angered him, he said, because “things are being presented incorrectly.” He rejected a warning in the audit office’s critical report that the state no longer had assets. Through the Athena fund, Burgenland holds stakes in several successful companies, he said. The state also owns 51 percent of a joint photovoltaic expansion company with Burgenland Energie. After the investment rises in value, that stake is intended to be sold, with the proceeds used to help build a hospital in Gols.

The governor also defended spending on health care and nursing. He said he did not believe everything should be left to private companies seeking a return. From 2020 to 2026, Burgenland invested 1.3 billion euros in health care, he said, adding that deciding whether the spending was necessary was a political matter, not one for the audit director. “This is not a loss for society. It is a gain for society,” Doskozil said.

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This is not a loss for society. It is a gain for society.

He accused Wenk of entering the political debate and helping the Austrian People’s Party, saying this damaged the audit office. Doskozil also rejected criticism of the early, discounted repayment of housing loans. He said nearly all Austrian states had taken the step, but only Burgenland used the money to reduce debt. The outstanding loan balance fell by about 100 million euros to 550 million euros. Regarding the Lenzing plant in Heiligenkreuz, whose closure has been announced for the end of 2026, he said the state could afford to take it over.

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In reality, he is damaging the office by doing this.