In keeping with the party’s ethos, party leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger, EU top candidate Helmut Brandstätter and runner-up Anna Stürgkh made pleas for a common Europe. Finally, the Neos candidates performed the European anthem “Ode to Joy” on stage.
In her speech on the Kaiserwiese, Meinl-Reisinger appealed primarily to young and undecided voters. It was a reminder of the British exit from the European Union. “A lot of young people woke up in the morning and mightn’t believe it,” said Meinl-Reisinger. At the same time they asked themselves, “why didn’t I go?” The Neos boss came out as a “Swiftie” and quoted from a song by US singer Taylor Swift: “But only the young can run.” What is being “ignited” in terms of nationalism and Öxit might become a “big wave,” warned Meinl-Reisinger. And it might happen once more that the boys are outnumbered. She described the FPÖ’s poster campaign as “vile” and “extremely dangerous”.
EU leading candidate Brandstätter also particularly addressed young voters. “We are the only ones who are preparing Europe for the future,” said Brandstätter, explaining Neos’ “unique selling point” in his speech. “Prosperity, freedom and security” are now at risk.
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“Future destroyer and Putin understander”
The Neos have a “clear answer” when it comes to climate policy. Just traveling by train is not enough; investments are needed. In addition, the internal market must be expanded. In his opinion, there should no longer be any borders within Europe. He also warned, without naming Russia, of a “powerful external force” that was trying to destroy everything. Because a war criminal and former KGB agent “can’t do anything else.”
“Europe is our hope for the future,” said Stürgkh, second in the list. “It is also very clear that we need Europe, but especially in these times Europe also needs us.” The young generation must raise its voice, “we will not let the destroyers of the future and those who understand Putin take away our Europe.” “We see the future in the United States Europe,” emphasized Stürgkh in her speech.
