Kurz' comeback – a risk for Austria or an opportunity for change?

Kurz' comeback – a risk for Austria or an opportunity for change?

Austria is facing a dramatic turnaround: the threatened right-wing extremist seizure of power by Herbert Kickl has been successfully prevented. Sebastian Bohrn Mena from oe24 expresses his relief at the cessation of the “Third Republic”, which would have brought a social icy cold across the country. According to Bohrn Mena, a rapid coalition between the ÖVP and SPÖ is necessary in order to create noticeable relief for the population within 12 to 18 months. The goal: responsible reduction of taxes and support for the economy. Five large projects are to be set up before the population is called to vote again.

Sebastian Kurz: A comeback in sight?

Meanwhile, the rumor mill is bubbling about a possible comeback by Sebastian Kurz. The controversies surrounding him could prove lucrative for the media. How moment.at reports, Kurz exercised enormous influence on media reporting during his term as Chancellor. Advertisements flowed uninhibitedly into tabloid media, so that his popularity and click numbers skyrocketed. The allegations that forced him to resign, including false statements and possible bribery, do not seem to deter the tabloids' appetite for sensationalism. 

Despite his legal problems, Kurz could become a real cash cow for the press. Conversation pieces and exclusive insider reports promise high readership and sales numbers, which makes some media appear willing to ignore basic journalistic principles. However, experts warn that a comeback under the current circumstances would not only be unlikely, but also irresponsible.