Helmut Melzer
After more than 30 years as an active Austrian voter, I can say it: not a single domestic party meets my requirements for a reasonable, balanced vote Politics. It has always been incredibly difficult to exercise the only right as a citizen to help shape things - and that alone is sad enough.
Since neither the ÖVP mandataries show any residual decency and, like the eco-activists, cling to their place of power, nor the Greens show mercy in the face of a false sense of responsibility, the elections will probably not take place until autumn 2024. Despite all the corruption scandals. Despite absolutely inadequate and unreasonable politics, mostly even against the interests of the citizens. Despite incredible survey results - unsurprisingly, Wolfgang Sobotka currently leads the list of the non-trust index with -61 points. Where are the Christian Socials? Where are the successors of Josef Riegler (eco-social market economy) or Erhard Busek?
Especially bad: there is no improvement in sight. According to the Kurier Sunday question - and let's leave the origin aside for a moment - the scandalous ÖVP still achieves 23 percent through the votes of well-heeled profiteers of domestic, neoliberal clientelism, just as much as the SPÖ can currently expect. The FPÖ is already in the starting blocks in view of the enticing 28 percent and would probably provide Chancellor Herbert Kickl. Much to the displeasure of 45 percent, who reject a coalition with the FPÖ. The remaining parties will probably fall victim, at least in part, to strategic voter considerations and, in my view, it is highly likely and deserved that the Greens will once again have to say goodbye to parliament.
"Need & Misery"
So what is threatening us: “hardship and misery” again. Even if the SPÖ still grows and emerges victorious from the upcoming National Council elections, it will only have two partners; and like many Austrians, I don't want to see any of them in any government.
The SPÖ survey will decide: If Pamela Rendi-Wagner can prevail, we will probably be red and black in the house if it goes out. After all: At least the current ÖVP team will probably have the super glue gland on the rear part removed.
If Hans Peter Doskozil wins, an SPÖ-FPÖ coalition would be possible for the second time (Sinowatz or Vranizky/Steger, 1983-1987). If the SPÖ cannot make a decision after the election, or if both potential partners reject it, the Ibiza-FPÖ-ÖVP main hit awaits us, with which Lower Austria, among other things, has already been forced to be happy. By the way, probably also if the FPÖ stays ahead.
vicious cycle without end
Again, I cannot in good conscience fully agree with any Austrian party. And I'm certainly not alone in that. But doesn't that mean it's time for a change? Did you know that nowhere in the Austrian constitution does it say that a government should or even has to protect the interests of the population? The term republic alone indicates this, but this is politically negated as far as possible. Who is the servant? And who does it serve?
development of democracy
So what to do? Apart from the fact that our political system “democracy” has only been developed insignificantly since the fall of the monarchy and then in the 2nd Republic and demands from outside the conspired party team have little chance of being implemented, I want a further development of the previously feigned rule of the people. It does not necessarily have to be direct democracy based on the Swiss model. How about a necessary election turnout, the non-achievement of which requires new elections? Vote until the never-ending day, until finally reason or clear circumstances come around. Or the right of the people to vote out a government during a legislative period. Or to curb populism: fines for every campaign promise not implemented?
One thing is certain: I'm not the only one fed up with having to choose between hardship and misery. Being able to vote alone is no longer enough. Our common demand must be the further development of democracy. Only then can we actually talk about democracy and look to the future with confidence.
Not gendered for better readability.
Photo / Video: Gernot Singer, APA.
