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X-AeNowel. for December 1952. REPORT FROM AUSTRIA, fhe hitherto quict political scene of Austria is showing at thé apporach of the electoral campaign unusual signs of nervousnesse Ever since in late October the Figl cabinet had been forcea to : resign, amidst general signs of disatisfaction, it had become evident that the present structure of Austria was headed towards a major crisis. The reasons for this movement against the ruling People's Party — Socialist coalition are manyfold. hey lie partly i: the fact that seven years of power have tired out the men who wield ite it is also clear that the present coalition is increasingly under a clowd of suspicione All this year, one case or corruption after another came to lighte, At first it seemed that the reople's rarty was worst hite ine case of former Minister Krauland got top publicity. But since the autorm, the picture has been radically changed. Under the energsctic leadership of Party vresident Raab, the People's Party has purified its ranks, weeded out corruption and has turned the tables on the Socialis ts The most recent scandal — the Steyrermuehl Skandal - has been a purely socialist one and has strongly eclipsed everything that ever happened to the People's Party. (his was es »ecially due to the fact that during the judiciary investigation of tre steyrermuehl case, it became apparent that obvioulsy some leaders of the Socialist Party had committed perjury. this has added to the discredit of the government and hence precipatated the major political crisis. The nev Figl government is one whsse sole duty is to preside over the coming elections. ‘these elections slated for February 22, will be the third popular consulaation since 1945. ‘hey will be held well in advance of the constitutional term, since it has become obvious that under present circumstances, it is impossible for the two coalition partners even to agree on a budget. fhe present solution is that 1952 budget vill be kept in operation for the first five months of 1955. 4he political parties meanwhile are actively preparing for a vigorous and aggressive campaign. they do so especially since, rightly or wrongly they have the feeling, that during the coming legislature international events of monumental importance will take place, at which time the control of govem ment by one party or the other might decisively shape the fate of the nation. “he most active in the preparations are the communists. ‘nrough the kussian USIA works in austria, they are receiving such large campaign contributions that they will be able to wage probably the most aggressive campaign in the Party's historye It is very important to note that, although the communists sofar have gone from defeat to defeat in legislative elections, the Kussians have not
