Innsbruck (OTS) – In the dispute over leadership, the SPÖ stumbled into a deep leadership crisis. Member surveys and party conferences can show a way out – if the celebrities and the lesser-known candidates are willing to do so.
It can go that fast. After the Carinthian state elections in early March, SPÖ leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner sought a decision once morest Hans Peter Doskozil in the dispute over the leadership and direction of the party. What started out well from their point of view, however, got completely out of hand. In the wake of events, no one seemed to think regarding what it means when even future members can apply for the chair.
Or the party presidency simply no longer dared to raise hurdles for fear of being accused of being undemocratic. “It came as it had to come,” sighed a member of the red leadership team following Wednesday’s meeting. At that time, only five candidatures were mentioned. Only later did the number grow to more than a dozen. And only later came the provocation of a right-wing political and tabloid activist who wanted to join the SPÖ and compete for the executive chair. Here the Styrian party secretary pulled the emergency brake and denied the industrious man the ideological trustworthiness.
In the meantime, there is a serious candidate for this in Traiskirchner Mayor Andreas Babler, who is also known beyond a small circle.
The Viennese functionary Nikolaus Kowall is already gone once more. Thanks to Babler, he has achieved his goal of offering an alternative to Rendi-Wagner and Doskozil. He can be less proud of what else his initiative has achieved.
So far the status yesterday. Further surprises might not be ruled out: the deadline for candidatures ended at midnight. The SPÖ grandees will meet once more on Monday to clarify open questions on the way to the member survey and party congress. In an ideal red world, this process offers the opportunity to discuss social democratic demands and positions with members and the public.
In an ideal red world, the person who represents these ideals most credibly is left at the end. The person who takes over the presidency is the person who believes in working for justice, equal opportunities and protection for the vulnerable. The person who is passionate regarding politics and doesn’t bombard the public with hollow phrases.
But the SPÖ is not that far. First, the grandees must reflect on the “friendship”. In greeting they carry them in front of them. In the end they didn’t live following that. Unfortunately. Because the crisis of the party that claims to be state-supporting and proud is damaging democracy as a whole.
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