100 years after the establishment of the Karl Lueger monument, left Vienna calls for a clear sign against anti-Semitism, history of history and false role models in public space: the statue of the openly anti-Semitic ex-mayor must be removed and the place of the same name is renamed Johanna-Thohnal-Platz. Instead of further investing tax money from the cultural budget in a monument to an anti -Semite, Vienna needs progressive, feminist and democratic places of memory.
„This monument is exemplary for decades of history of hiding and trifty of anti -Semitism in Austria“, Explains Dr. Heide Hammer, second in the district of Alsergrund.”Karl Lueger agitated against Jewish life, widespread conspiracy theories, rushed to modern art and women’s emancipation. His anti -Semitic rhetoric was not an accessory – it was his political program. The struggle against anti -Semitism can be managed at any place: here in this place as well as in our parties, schools and universities and in all areas of private and social life“
Benjamin Traugott, top candidate for the district council inner city, criticizes not only the statue itself, but also the artistic origin of the monument: “Josef Müllner, the creator of the statue, was a NSDAP member and made Hitler-Büsten. It is a cynical spectacle that this statue should be ‘rethinked’ by a 3.5 ° inclination. Instead of devoting an anti-Semite to the macabre tourist attraction, we demand: Lueger has to go-here with Johanna-Dohnal-Platz!“
Johanna Dohnal – feminist pioneer, fighter for women’s rights and social justice – is the opposite of Lueger’s. Angelika Adenamer, spokeswoman for Vienna, says: “Dohnal has achieved great for equality between women and their security against domestic violence. Your political work continues to work. If we name public places based on political role models, then after those who stood for equality and progress – not according to those who cultivated hatred and exclusion. Dohnal fought for the visible of women – high time to give her this place in public space.“
On the left Vienna also makes a clear position on the role of art in public spaces. Sheri Avraham, worker on the left explains: “Art is not neutral. Art in public space transports messages – and we have to take a close look at these messages as a society. What do we say when we put an anti -Semite on a base and legitimize the whole thing with tax money? Art can and should provoke – but not reactionary myths.“
Left Vienna makes it clear that the examination of anti -Semitism does not belong in the basement of history, but in the middle of the places in this city. And it has to be visible, noticeable, concrete – right now. Especially here. Selectable on April 27: KPÖ and left to the municipal council and the district council inner city!
Photos of today’s press conference Find here.
OTS original text press release with the exclusive in terms of content of the sender – www.ots.at | LKS