2023-05-02 03:58:00
The weather was on the side of the Social Democracy. If it started to rain last year at the speech of SP boss Pamela Rendi-Wagner, the sun was shining this year. Nevertheless, the three-way battle in the SPÖ overshadowed the celebrations. The future of the SPÖ was the unofficial main topic on Vienna’s Rathausplatz.
Around 10 a.m. the deputations tumbled in from the districts. One saw samba drummers and wind musicians, the average age was younger than in previous years. Banners that responded to the power struggle in the SPÖ were held up, but only sporadically. Agitated once morest armchair glue and promoted Andreas Babler.
Sympathy for Babler
In general, the mayor of Traiskirchner seemed to enjoy a lot of encouragement among the participants. “Rendi-Wagner didn’t get to the point. Hans Peter Doskozil would be a new chapter, but not a new beginning,” said 32-year-old Alina to OÖ Nachrichten. Harald (46) agreed: Babler is also the right person from his point of view. He’s still waiting, said the 70-year-old Alois, who he will vote for in the member survey. He appreciates Rendi-Wagner, but Babler is certainly an option. Elisabeth (69) has already made her decision: “Babler has more power, he’s a fighter. I might well imagine Rendi-Wagner as Federal President,” she said.
The 60-year-old Hans comes to the town hall square every year. “I don’t find a clever left-wing orientation bad. Babler is also environmentally oriented, which the SPÖ is currently lacking,” he explained. Doskozil is not an alternative, added 44-year-old Eva: “You should stop saying ‘friendship’ with a knife in your hand.” They were random surveys.
Video: ORF reporter Peter Stacher reports, among other things, on the SPÖ May events and talks regarding how much the ongoing internal party conflict influences them.
Photo darling fisherman
Among the comrades at Rathausplatz were former Federal President Heinz Fischer and his wife Margit, both of whom were supporters of Rendi-Wagner. Fischer was a sought-following photo partner, patiently posing with his comrades, who stalked each other with cell phones in their hands.
The speeches on the festival stage followed the usual rituals, this year’s motto was “Strong. Stronger. Together”. Ludwig made the start and praised the Viennese way, whether with rents or free kindergarten. In contrast to Doskozil, he rejected a statutory minimum wage. If women are willing to take on responsibility, then they should also be supported, he indirectly addressed the member survey for the SP presidency. “I’m sure that following the election we will have the first elected Chancellor in Austria,” he said to applause. Rendi-Wagner thanked him with a kiss on the cheek.
After Vienna’s SP women leader Marina Hanke, ÖGB President Wolfgang Katzian stepped up to the lectern. He worked his way through the government, criticizing the high subsidies for entrepreneurs and the recent attempts to weaken protection once morest dismissal. The union had negotiated 460 collective agreements, the minimum wage had been raised in many cases from 1,700 to 2,000 euros, and responsibility for this must remain with the social partners, he said, rejecting Doskozil.
Video: Rendi-Wagner called for internal unity
Distinction from the FPÖ
Rendi-Wagner spoke last. Whistles like in 2016 once morest SP Chancellor Werner Faymann might not be heard. “We are the many, we are stronger and we are unbeatable,” she was happy regarding the lively participation. Rendi-Wagner referred to the red concepts, which the government in Austria has not implemented, but which are successful in Spain or Germany. She campaigned for rent controls, energy caps and low taxes on groceries.
“It must be our goal that this country once once more has a social-democratic government,” she called from the stage. The ÖVP will get the FPÖ as a cheap partner. Again she assured that there would be no coalition with the FPÖ with her. A promise that Ludwig had previously made and that secured applause.
Towards the end, Rendi-Wagner went back to the current situation of the SPÖ: “We have to be strong, stronger. For this we must be united. The time for this self-occupation will soon be over.” Ludwig presented her with a bouquet of red flowers before the Song of Labor and the Internationale were sung at the end. By then, the communists had already gathered in front of Parliament to celebrate May Day. The event was unusually well received.
Of risks and tea lights
Away from Vienna, Rendi-Wagner’s challengers celebrated May Day. At an event in Kobersburg, Burgenland, Doskozil advertised a minimum wage of 2,000 euros. He’s taking a risk with his candidacy. “You have to take risks in life. You can’t always be attached to your function”, he saw as the right time.
Babler, in turn, appeared three times. At a May Day celebration in Krems-Lerchenfeld, he conjured up a comeback for social democracy. In recent years, the SPÖ has only been a “tea light”, “we have to make sure that we become a flame once more,” he said.
Video: Babler advocates a “comeback of social democracy”.
Like every year, hearty sayings might be heard from the Blues in Upper Austria, where FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl once once more claimed the chancellorship. More on this in the following article:
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Kickl’s chancellor plans: “First we lock the asylum homes”
author
Annette Gantner
Editor of Domestic Policy
Annette Gantner
1683002067
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