Concerned by the “developments of the public political climate in Austria in recent times”, in particular following the recent inconclusive general elections, the Austrian bishops have appealed for “disarmament of words” and called for a “good culture of dialogue” as the “prerequisites for fruitful political development”. “To the young in particular” must be transmitted the concept according to which “a sound political opposition, but never hostility, must always exist in a democracy”. To this end, the Church offers her own contribution “to the service of reconciliation”. Questioned during the press conference, Schönborn declared that “it’s not the task of the bishops” to make suggestions on “a particular government coalition”.
