Kogler/Voglauer: EP election as a directional decision for climate protection & against right-wing extremism

2024-02-24 16:20:05

The Green Federal Congress chose the EU list and decided on two key motions

Graz (OTS) – This Saturday, February 24, 2024, the Greens held their federal congress in Graz. Places 1 – 6 on the list were chosen for the EU elections next June. In addition, two key proposals were discussed and decided.

The Greens’ list positions 1 – 6 for the EU election were elected today as follows:

Platz 1: Lena Schilling

Platz 2: Tom Waitz

Platz 3: Ines Vukajlović

4th place: Michael Eschlböck

5th place: Katrin Fallmann

6th place: Florian Wunsch

Lena Schilling was elected as the top candidate with 96.6 percent

“Lena Schilling is the Green Party’s ideal candidate for the EU elections. She is a young woman who believes in a future worth fighting for. “She fights with passion for climate protection and against right-wing extremism in a united, strong Europe,” said Werner Kogler, Federal Spokesman of the Greens and Vice Chancellor, and Olga Voglauer, General Secretary of the Greens.

Competent, diverse team for strong Greens in Europe

Highly competent people who bring different perspectives to the Green Party team for the EU elections on June 9th were elected not only at the top, but also in places 2 – 6 on the list. “We are faced with a directional decision. Are there strong Greens who protect nature, the environment and the climate in a common, democratic, independent Europe, or are right-wing extremists turning away climate protection, destroying democracy and, under Putin’s guidance, leading the continent into small-minded nation-statehood? Today we have chosen a strong team. With Lena Schilling at the top, Tom Waitz in second place, Ines Vukajlović in third place and all the other candidates on the list, we have the right team to lead this exact debate with courage and determination,” says Voglauer.

“Congratulations to Tom Waitz, who was voted second on the list. “Tom Waitz brings an incredible amount of experience, for example in the area of agriculture and agricultural policy and from the European Parliament, and as co-head of the European Greens, he has excellent international connections,” says Kogler.

Ines Vukajlović from Upper Austria was voted third. “As a young and committed member of the state parliament from Upper Austria, Ines Vukajlović brings just as many important perspectives with her focus on the areas of opportunity and gender equality as well as climate justice,” says Kogler. “The Greens’ list for the EU elections is diverse, competent and combative. “That’s exactly what’s needed,” say Kogler and Voglauer.

For a climate-happy and strong, free and solidarity-based Europe

In addition to the election of list positions 1 – 6, two key motions were also submitted, discussed and decided upon at the Federal Congress.

The first key motion entitled “A climate-happy Europe” was submitted by Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler and Social and Health Minister Johannes Rauch and deals with the question of the direction in which Europe will develop in the future. It says something like: “The Union is facing a historic decision. Are we continuing on the path to a green and livable Europe? Or is our continent sinking into fossil fuel dependency, false promises and the lies of the right-wing extremists? It is the founding mission of the Green Movement to enforce the right guidelines at this important moment. We are there to help the idea of a climate-neutral and socially just Europe achieve a breakthrough in this conflict. Sensible climate protection does not simply prevent the worst. It is a great opportunity for a good life with clean air and intact nature, for good and secure jobs, for social security for everyone, for Europe’s economic independence and clever innovation. We have a positive vision of the future. That’s what sets us apart from the many others who rush and only ever see the bad.”

The second key motion entitled “Together for a strong, free and solidarity-based Europe” by Justice Minister Alma Zadić and club chairman Sigi Maurer is about defending the freedoms that have been won and also human rights in Europe against the attacks of right-wing extremists. “The extreme right of the Kickls, Orbáns, Le Pens, Weidels and Co sees the EU elections as their chance to divide and destroy the united Europe and to resurrect the old nationalism. We oppose this plan with our passion for a united, cosmopolitan and strong Europe,” it says.

Ideally positioned for the EU elections in terms of personnel and content

“Today we sent a strong signal, both in terms of personnel and content, for a united, cosmopolitan and strong Europe. Because only a common Europe protects freedoms and prosperity. And because climate protection brings new opportunities and prosperity. There is nothing more important than leaving our children a planet worth living in,” conclude Kogler and Voglauer.