Dear Austrians and everyone who lives here!
I hope you had a good start to the new year. Celebrated the New Year with your loved ones and made plans for the future together. These are precious days and we can focus on the things that matter.
And you see: it’s very similar in our republic.
The next federal government is being negotiated these days.
Here too – as in every family – it’s about balancing interests.
Finding common solutions. And of course, to be honest, this is also a test of patience for all of us. One thing is very, very important to me now. That we use this time to think about a very fundamental question.
Namely: Which country do we want to live in?
What should Austria be in the future? Not just next year. But in the coming decades. And what should people think about today’s Austria in thirty or a hundred years?
I know: a lot is uncertain and unclear. And sometimes confusing.
But we need a shared image of what our country should look like.
An idea of Austria and the will of this Austria to design.
What do we fundamentally believe in? What can we take with us? What will help us? What do we no longer need? How do we generate enthusiasm? How do we make our country thrive?
Which country do we want to live in?
I have a few ideas.
I believe in a culturally rich Austria. The land of Mozart and Lassnig and Jelinek. About Falco and Wanda and Gabalier. A country of arts, theater, opera. The country of a rich folk culture that values diversity. A country of art of living.
A country that has been located in the middle of Europe since ancient times at the intersection of north, south, east and west. And draws strength, ideas and liveliness from the opposites that meet here.
A country that has known since early days not to let conflicts end in irreconcilability, but rather to marry opposites.
I want to live in Austria like that.
This very own, ancient ability to reconcile opposites has always helped us. And it will continue to help us in the future, in every dimension of our existence.
I believe in an Austria that has an incredible wealth of natural resources. Our mountains, our lakes and forests, but also our wonderful cities are unique. Is there a better compliment than that people elsewhere find places like Hallstatt so magical that they even try to recreate them?
The Austria that I believe in manages to let the whole world share in this beauty. And at the same time I want us to handle our treasures carefully. And find a way to use them economically without selling their soul and ours. I want to live in Austria like that.
I believe in one sustainable Austria. That through his sustainable Economy creates lasting prosperity for all citizens. By promoting employment and productivity, building and maintaining a robust infrastructure and being highly attractive for investment and trade.
An Austria that promotes stability and growth stands.
I want to live in Austria like that.
I believe in an Austria that is the most livable country in the world. With the most livable environment for our future generations. Where the protection of natural resources, forests and biodiversity is taken seriously. A country that manages to combine our nature with a responsible, prosperous economy.
I believe in an Austria with a fair society in which everyone has equal opportunities. And unequal abilities do not lead to social exclusion, but inclusion is a given.
Where poverty and inequality are fought. Where girls and boys are at school, where men and women are on the job market not be discriminated against.
I want to live in Austria like that.
I believe in a smart Austria:
A knowledge-based society with global competitiveness. In which we focus on promoting education and innovation. Improve the quality of education from the first year of life, invest in research and technology and prepare for digital transformation.
And of a country in which people put in joyful effort because they know that their willingness to put in the effort is worth it. Because they know that they can achieve something and improve their lives through their own strength.
I want to live in Austria like that.
And in an Austria whose main goal is security and peace. With protection from internal and external threats. With a strengthening of defense capabilities.
As a member of the European Union that is aware of the advantages of an alliance of 450 million people – and does not fall for the populist illusion of sovereignty through dwarfism.
I believe in a respectful Austria. An Austria as a liberal democracy in which constitutional institutions are respected and the judiciary works independently. To a country without hate, malice and prejudice. A country where those seeking help are helped and at the same time our way of life is respected.
This is the Austria I want to live in.
This is the country to which I say: You happy Austria.
Dear Austrians and everyone who lives here,
I am sure there are many more things that define and will define our country.
Which ones come to mind?
I wish you a wonderful 2025.
May it be full of positive surprises.
Yours, Alexander Van der Bellen.