State anthem dispute: Styria becomes a political issue of symbolism!

State anthem dispute: Styria becomes a political issue of symbolism!

Grenzübergang Radlpass, Österreich - The dispute over the anchoring of the Styrian national anthem in the state constitution is in full swing. According to Kleine Zeitung , the majority in the 48-member state parliament with 17 mandatars of the FPÖ and 13 of the ÖVP is available for a constitutional change is sufficient not off. This is considered particularly critically by the opposition, which from the SPÖ with 10, the Greens with 3, the Neos with 3 and the KPÖ with 2 MPs and clearly speaks against the planning.

A central point of contention are text lines of the hymn that relate to the K.U.K. monarchy and mention rivers that belong to Slovenia today. In a clear sign of its rejection, the SPÖ organized a protest at the Radlpass border crossing to Slovenia in order to emphasize the importance of good relationships between Slovenia and Styria. Max Lercher from the SPÖ criticized both the FPÖ and the ÖVP for "symbolic policy", which potentially endangers the cooperation.

positions of the parties

The different political parties have positioned themselves clearly on the subject. While the FPÖ refers to the SPÖ as part of a "left unit front" and criticizes its attitude to the anthem, Marco Triller from the FPÖ explains that the SPÖ is disrespectful towards home. Hannes Schwarz from the SPÖ also expresses constitutional concerns about the planned provision.

The Greens reject both the negotiations on the anchoring of the hymn and a intended gender clause. Neos boss Niko Swatek critically commented on symbols and spoke out for central reforms in areas such as education and health. The KPÖ also clearly positions itself against the state anthem and the gender clause, which also hardens the fronts in the state parliament.

effects on the constitution

The situation raises questions about the role and importance of the state constitutions. These regulate political decision -making and ensure the rights of citizens. They define the organization and functionality of a federal state and determine how the government is formed. The separation of powers between executive, legislative and judiciary is also important. As the Studysmarter , state constitutions can be changed by constitutional laws, often with a qualified majority in the state parliament.

The situation in Styria shows how political symbolism can be behind serious topics. This dynamic will be decisive in today's political landscape and in terms of future reforms.