Former Austrian minister criticizes Europe at Russia's economic forum
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl praised Vladimir Putin and criticized Europe at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
- Kneissl, who lives in Russia and heads a state-funded think tank, called Europe a "market-centered and soulless 'military bloc'."
- She described her post-ministerial career as politically persecuted and professionally ruined, before moving to Russia in 2023.
Former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl has become a vocal proponent of Russia, criticizing Europe from the stage of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Kneissl, who served as foreign minister from 2017 to 2019, has repeatedly spoken out against the European Union since leaving office.
Speaking at the forum, Kneissl, who now heads a state-funded think tank in St. Petersburg, described Europe as a "market-centered and soulless 'military bloc'" that would never become a melting pot of cultures. She began her remarks with a few words in Russian before switching to English.
market-centered and soulless 'military bloc'
Kneissl has frequently claimed to be "politically persecuted" and professionally "ruined" after her term. In 2023, she moved to a Russian village with her dogs and ponies. She has publicly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him an "intelligent gentleman."
intelligent gentleman
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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