The interventions of the ruling government aim at undermining cultural promotion for critical organizations and institutions as well as destroying their structures. Already, in April of this year, Public Netbase has had to notification that the lease for its premises in the Museumsquartier will be terminated in 2001. This action threatens to bring an end to the internationally successful achievements of one of Europe's most respected media-culture institutions. In Europe, development and expertise in the field of new media receives a broad base of support. The step taken by the Museumsquartier Errichtungs- und Betriebsges.m.b.
H threatens any further development of an important, innovative cultural center in Vienna.
Moreover, it confirms all of the fears and criticism that have been expressed about the Museumsquartier since its own beginning. Austrian cultural policy and administration obviously has no interest in creating or securing conditions for free and active cultural activities and development. In general Austrian artists, journalists and intellectuals describe a climate of fear and intimidation that they believe is part of a government attempt to silence opposition to the coalition government that has become the pariah of European politics. Becker has given up hope of receiving any more public funding for Public Netbase t0 by the Austrian government, and as he watches its progress he believes that he underestimated the threat to free speech. But I'm very much afraid if this goes on for a long time.