Margit Angerlehner: Women's Power and Change in Oftering

Margit Angerlehner: Women's Power and Change in Oftering

Margit Angerlehner, the new chairwoman of the ÖVP state club, recently taken up her office. She is not only an impressive women's clothing maker, but also the mayor of the 1,900-inhabitant community of Oftering in Linz-Land. At the age of 51 she brings an abundance of experiences to the political arena and is proud to be a woman in a historically male -dominated party.

After her election as chairwoman, Angerlehner commented on the frequent prejudices against the ÖVP, which is often portrayed as a party by older men. "That's not true! We have a lot of young members," she said, referring to the commitment of young perspective wearers in her community. She emphasized that the mixture of young and old as well as women and men was crucial for the success of the party.

career path and success

Angerlehner worked from the beginning as an apprentice to politician. "I completed the secondary school and the household school in Mistelbach, did an apprenticeship and passed the master's examination," she says proudly. The path to the mayor was associated with challenges, especially in a community that was historically dominated by another political force. "We have turned over and made a change after the Second World War," she describes her success in the local elections.

A central topic in Angerlehner's term is the representation of all people, including the queer community. It is firmly convinced that politics should reflect society and offer space for everyone. Their clear attitude towards the equivalence of people becomes clear in the discussion about social diversity. "It must also be space for these people in politics," says Angerlehner.

When asked whether she was in her position as a "quota woman", Angerlehner was determined: "I am not a supporter of quotas, because I don't believe in keeping a position only because of gender." She emphasizes that the competence and the ability are decisive, not gender.

political challenges and visions

The political landscape also presents Angerlehner with challenges. In particular, the interaction with the FPÖ sees it as a differentiated matter. "When I hear the word kickl, that's bad for me personally. The memories of the 1930s come up, I don't want that," she says. Nevertheless, she assesses the cooperation with the FPÖ in Upper Austria as a "really good work" as long as it does not negatively affect state politics.

The discussion about the rainbow flag, which was recently thrown into the trash by an FPÖ MP, is a sensitive topic for Angerlehner. "I have been fighting for the equivalence of people and the rights of the queer community for years," she explains, while she advises the audience to get an idea of the events.

Angerlehner sees her role not only as a leading force within her party, but also as a link to the citizens. Your vision is to stay in touch with people and tackle the problems at the base. "It is very important to me personally not to lose the closeness to people," she affirmed, and asks others to commit themselves politically and to raise their voice.

The new chairwoman has a clear goal: to promote equivalence and to further develop politics together. At a time when society is constantly changing, it remains optimistic and believes that changes are necessary to take into account the needs of all people in politics. Your determination could be pioneering for a more harmonious and integrative future in the political landscape of Upper Austria.