Gewessler as a green bearer of hope: realignment in the federal government!

Gewessler as a green bearer of hope: realignment in the federal government!

In the run-up to the Greens' federal congress on June 29th, the party will be realigned after leaving the federal government. The previous federal spokesman Werner Kogler has announced that he will relinquish his party leadership. Leonore Gewessler, the former environmental activist and Kogler's cabinet colleague, is considered the favorite to succeed her. Gewessler announced her candidacy at the beginning of April and has been touring the federal states since then to strengthen her support. This congress will also see the abolition of the position of Secretary General, which was previously held by Olga Voglauer. Voglauer will instead concentrate on her duties as a member of the National Council in Carinthia.

The decision to abolish the General Secretariat does not come without criticism. Voglauer had served as secretary general since 2023, but her management skills in the EU election campaign were increasingly under discussion. The General Secretariat was only set up two years ago and previously experienced a similar process when Thimo Fiesel held the office between 2019 and 2020. In addition to the election of the party leadership, six new members of the federal executive board will also be elected, including candidates such as Alma Zadić, Barbara Neßler and Franz Klug, who are running for the finance officer position.

Key propositions for a strong Europe

Two critical key proposals will also be discussed during the federal congress. The first motion, “A climate-happy Europe,” was submitted by Gewessler and the Minister of Social Affairs and Health Johannes Rauch. This application aims to set the course for a climate-neutral and socially just Europe. The question is raised whether to continue on the path to an environmentally friendly continent or to restore dependence on fossil fuels.

The second key motion, “Together for a strong, free and solidarity-based Europe”, was presented by Justice Minister Alma Zadić and club chairwoman Sigi Maurer. The focus here is on defending freedoms and human rights in Europe, especially against right-wing extremist attacks. The authors warn of a political climate in which the extreme right, represented by actors such as Kickl, Orbán and Le Pen, want to divide the EU and promote nationalism.

Context of current developments

The current developments in the run-up to the elections should also be seen in the context of the last five years, in which the Greens in the European Parliament have made a decisive contribution to driving forward successes in several areas. The program for the upcoming European elections is entitled “What protects us” and emphasizes the EU as a guarantor of security in a time of growing threats from Russia's war of aggression on Ukraine as well as the rise of right-wing extremist positions and the climate crisis.

The balance of the Greens' successes shows that they have committed themselves to strengthening climate and economic policy, expanding digitalization and consumer protection, and promoting sustainable business. These issues will also play a central role in the upcoming elections to ensure the continued protection of democracy, freedom and human rights in Europe.