In entrance of EU flag-waving campaigners and with the European anthem within the background, prime candidate Helmut Brandstätter and celebration chief Beate Meinl-Reisinger had been assured of victory: “We will likely be among the many huge winners on Sunday,” Meinl-Reisinger known as out to the pink supporters.
The “Star Competition” was opened by Secretary Basic Douglas Hoyos, who, like all of the audio system following him, entered the stage to an upbeat model of the European anthem performed by DJ Niko Alm. “We name it the Star Competition as a result of we’re preventing collectively for america of Europe.”
There have been sufficient stars: Hoyos began with calls of “Helmut, Helmut, Helmut”, however earlier than the highest candidate he introduced these on the checklist who’re unlikely to result in a seat within the EU Parliament to the entrance of the stage. Every of them had a big star that stood for a requirement of the NEOS: for instance a “European military”, “direct election of the EU Commissioner” or “frequent exterior borders”.
- Video: NEOS closed election marketing campaign
“Training because the EU’s fifth freedom”
The star of the main candidate in the end stood for one thing that the NEOS have been drumming up all through the election marketing campaign: “Training because the EU’s fifth freedom”. Brandstätter kept away from direct assaults on the opposite events. With out naming names, nonetheless, he did permit himself to be carried away with just a few sideswipes: “It simply will not work with the loudmouths who aren’t as patriotic as they faux.” And: “It was stated that if everybody can journey cheaply by practice, then the local weather will likely be safe, however it’s not that easy.” For Brandstätter, the election can be regarding peace, he stated with regard to the Russian battle of aggression in Ukraine. “In order that there isn’t any longer a technology on this EU that has to speak regarding their fathers taking pictures at one another.”
Earlier than that, he obtained assist from the celebration chief: “Many individuals stated, is it a sensible concept for Helmut to run? You have got proved all of them improper!” Meinl-Reisinger was satisfied. “You’re authentically Europe.” She was additionally just a little extra aggressive, saying that she missed the opposite “all male celebration leaders through the election marketing campaign. Possibly as a result of they know that the end result will likely be unhealthy?” She needs to hold on with the momentum of the previous few days – the celebration chief has simply toured locations with significantly low voter turnout or significantly excessive FPÖ outcomes: “This isn’t the top of the election marketing campaign, it’s the begin of the grand finale. And we’ll rejoice on Sunday.”
Lastly, Anna Stürgkh, second on the checklist, was introduced onto the stage. Her marketing campaign is in regards to the “vitality union” and the phase-out of Russian fuel. “We should not permit our Europe to be destroyed by the right-wing extremists and the left-wing extremists, and we’ll stand as much as Putin.”
