State Secretary Sepp Schellhorn: Despite the scandal, he remains steadfast!

State Secretary Sepp Schellhorn: Despite the scandal, he remains steadfast!

Salzburg, Österreich - Neos state spokesman and state secretary Sepp Schellhorn is currently facing a huge storm of criticism. Allegations against him range from a company car affair to a controversial Nazi comparison to a controversial advertising video. He tries to make a hearing, especially on the public defensive. Despite the ongoing attacks, Schellhorn did not consider resigning and plans to continue to concentrate on his political tasks. He emphasizes that he is based on the recognition of his achievements within the federal government, and in the ORF interview that a withdrawal was never a topic for him, even though he was increasingly criticized.

Schellhorn, who over 500,000 followers on social networks through his format "Sepp, what are you doing?" has won, sees itself as a victim of "scandalization" and demands a more appropriate discussion. In the current debate, the use of social media also plays an important role that enables political institutions to communicate directly with the population. The communication flow has changed significantly in recent years, so that citizens can hear their concerns faster and faster, while politicians are increasingly relying on digital channels to address younger groups of voters, as the Federal Center for Political Education notes.

criticism and controversy

The Schellhorn was particularly controversial in a talk show when he felt "like 85 years ago", which was perceived as an indirect reference to Jewish persecuted during the Nazi rule. The reason for his statement was a train journey on which he was mobbed by several drunk men because of his company car. After the violent reaction from the public, the NEOS Secretary of State apologized for this comparison and described him as "inappropriate", created in an "emotional" moment, so [puls 24] (https://www.puls24.at/news/politik/wie-vor-jahren-sepp-schellhorn-finde-igen-ns-bvergleich-unk

Although Schellhorn cannot ignore the accusation of inappropriateness, he defends his communication strategy as necessary in order to remain visible in political events. Critics: Inside that his style is not only stressful for government work, but also blurred the boundaries between political communication and populist address.

The role of social media

The dynamics that bring social media into political communication is undeniable. In a hybrid media system, citizens interact: interior, politicians: interior and journalist: inside in new ways. Mass media, still central to range, are in a tension between individual communication via platforms such as Instagram or Facebook. Schellhorn's decision to delete his Instagram appearance could therefore be seen as a strategic reaction to criticism, while the digital presence of other politicians continues to become more important.

It remains to be seen how Schellhorn's political career continues. Although he vehemently defends himself against resignation, he is in public focus and has to face the challenges of modern political communication, which is characterized by the use of social media and the associated expectations of transparency and dialogue.