The forecast is not too risky: SPÖ leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner is likely to be there the next Sunday evening and do not know whether to laugh or cry.
Laugh, because after a long, long time, the SPÖ has not yet lost an election. And cry because, of all things, their biggest rival and in-party critic won this victory.
If the forecasts are halfway right, Burgenland’s governor Hans Peter Doskozil will defend his governor’s chair confidently on January 26. The polls predict that Doskozil will at least hold his vote, but is likely to expand it. The serious larynx disease did not harm him in the election campaign.
Can red-blue continue to rule in Burgenland?
A Pyrrhus victory for Rendi-Wagner, because she can be sure that the party-internal discussion about the number one in the SPÖ will flare up again.
Blue loses
The Karmasin Institute has forecast gains for the SPÖ, ÖVP, Greens and Neos, and another slump for the FPÖ.
So it will be exciting: is it going to work out that red and blue can continue their coalition in Burgenland? According to the survey, the SPÖ and FPÖ still have a majority, albeit a sharply reduced one, in the Eisenstadt Landtag. Even red and green would be just above the 50 percent mark. A sovereign majority would exist for a large coalition of SPÖ and ÖVP.
survey
Doskozil: “A turquoise-green-pink adventure is not yet off the table”
AUSTRIA: How do you experience this election campaign?
Hans Peter Doskozil: As the SPÖ, we went into this election with a new claim: We could easily have made a number of promises for the coming years – as is actually the case. We did not do that, but said: We want to be evaluated in terms of results and implement our promises – from minimum wages to care plans and free kindergarten to organic turning point – even before the election. It therefore becomes an evaluation choice.
AUSTRIA: How did you manage to campaign with voting problems?
Doskozil: Of course it is not easy with an impaired voice – especially at larger events. In between, I keep doing training sessions for my vocal cords. But I don’t want to complain: Many people have to cope with impairments and master their everyday life.
AUSTRIA: Your goal?
Doskozil: The time of absolute majorities is over. My goal is a plus – however small or large. And we must not be fooled: a majority against the SPÖ is possible, a turquoise-green-pink adventure is not off the table. Every voice matters!
AUSTRIA: Is a red-green coalition conceivable for you?
Doskozil: I think that in terms of content, every coalition is running out – the Greens in particular have shown at federal level how flexible you can be when it comes to joining a government. Would anyone have thought it possible for the Greens to advocate a headscarf ban or preventive detention? It is crucial for me whether you trust each other in a coalition and work constructively together. A coalition, like in earlier proportional times, where you have to inquire first every day whether you have got a tackle again from the partner, people certainly do not want.
AUSTRIA: Is the cooperation with the FPÖ so good that you are striving to continue?
Doskozil: We worked well for four and a half years and at eye level. In the past few months we have implemented the projects mentioned that would never have been possible with the ÖVP. It is also a fact that in Burgenland – provided there is consensus and trust – all parties can be considered partners. But we shouldn’t all be so arrogant with each other to talk about coalitions before the elections. The voters are at their word!
AUSTRIA: ÖVP-Grün has been in office for 10 days. Little can be heard from the federal SPÖ. Does it have to be more offensive?
Doskozil: In the initial phase of a new government, the opposition naturally finds it particularly difficult. But we have to show now that we are there for the working people in this country and represent their interests. The fact that the 60% premium-free pension is to be abolished after 45 years of contributions, that wage tax relief is put on the back burner, but at the same time that some corporations are given billions by abolishing KÖSt – that should be demonstrated. No fundamental opposition, but edgy side for the real top performers, the working population – that must be the way.
AUSTRIA: Do you want to remain Governor for the full period? You are often mentioned as SPÖ chair.
Doskozil: Credibility is the greatest good for me. If I run for election next Sunday to work as governor of Burgenland for the next five years, I will do that too.
Debora Knob
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