“In dramatic times one would have had to jump over the shadows and make compromises”

The Chairman of the SPÖ Vienna Mayor Dr. Michael Ludwig on the ÖVP’s break-off in negotiations: “In dramatic times, everyone would have been required to jump over their shadow. Compromises are necessary in democracy. The forces of the political center must pull together. Unfortunately, today ideology has prevailed over pragmatism, unfortunately today the welfare of the party has been put above the welfare of the state.” *****

After the ÖVP broke off negotiations with the SPÖ, there is now a threat of FPÖ participation in the government. An FPÖ that wants to create wanted lists against political competitors, an FPÖ that demeans media representatives and an FPÖ that shakes the foundations of liberal democracy. “Karl Nehammer had always refused to be a stirrup holder for Chancellor Kickl. However, after coalition negotiations with the SPÖ were broken off, exactly this scenario is looming. Our republic is now at a crossroads. My job in Vienna will be to do everything I can to ensure that we continue to live in a city in the future where we live together and where everyone looks out for one another. We don’t leave anyone behind here! Because we in Vienna are taking a different path. In these dramatic times it is necessary to find clear words. Anyone who makes themselves the stirrup holder of an FPÖ Chancellor is responsible for what comes out afterwards!” concludes Ludwig.