Wallner: Pragmatics about ideology - SPÖ and FPÖ in Leoben dialogue

Wallner: Pragmatics about ideology - SPÖ and FPÖ in Leoben dialogue

After the recent state election in Styria, there are lively discussions about the future orientation of the SPÖ. The focus is particularly on Leoben's mayor Kurt Wallner, who explained that working with the FPÖ is considered for him, although this is controversial at federal level. Wallner, who holds an absolute majority in Leoben, characterizes this step as a pragmatic option. In an interview with Armin Wolf in the "ZiB2", he expressed himself openly about the possibility of a coalition that is not considered out of personal interest, but out of strategic considerations.

Wallner is skeptical about the initiative of the PR consultant Rudi Fußi, who strives for a vote on the SPÖ chair. "I don't really take this initiative seriously and find it inappropriate," says Wallner. While he emphasizes to vote for the reigning chairman Andreas Babler, he remains careful and points out that he and some others in the party would prefer a third option.

FPÖ wins in Leoben

A disturbing point is the dramatic increase in FPÖ votes in Leoben, which from eight percent jumped in the last municipal election to 36 percent in the current state election. Wallner admits that this change among the voters also applies to loyal SPÖ supporters who now vote for the freedom. "On site you look at which people bring which services," he explains, and recognizes the desire for change in the electorate.

The discussion about a possible coalition with the FPÖ is not led to emotional reasons, but out of concern for the stability and fate of the SPÖ. Wallner believes that a triple coalition from SPÖ, ÖVP and Greens or Neos could be unstable, which explains the opening towards the freedom. He emphasizes that the decision does not result from sympathy to Mario Kunasek or the FPÖ, but that the preservation of social democratic values in the state treasure is important.

contradictions in politics

Wallner also expresses concerns about rhetoric and the political content of the FPÖ. In his opinion, there are clear differences between the state policy issues that the Styrian FPÖ appeals to, and the more radical positions of the Bundes-FPÖ under Herbert Kickl. He believes that the long-lasting distancing from the FPÖ by the Bundes-SPÖ in the past in the current political situation is not helpful. "This closes the real -political scope," says Wallner, who suggests that you have more open conversations.

The current statements by Wallner clarify that we live in the political landscape in times of change. With increasing approval rates for the FPÖ and internal considerations of the party leadership, the SPÖ in Styria has to act strategically in order to consolidate its position in the election campaign and to avoid possible voter losses.