Even if no one wants to admit it, it cannot be overlooked that we are already in the election campaign. While Kickl appears firmly in first place, Chancellor Nehammer still has a chance to unseat him. And it goes like this…
Yes, the following is a bold theory. But at least on paper it’s not entirely unrealistic. Because if everyone gets lost in extremes, there’s a lot of potential in the middle. At least that is the working hypothesis.
Babler also couples Radikalo
In detail: with Andreas Babler, the SPÖ has drifted far to the left. The rosy demands for a 32-hour week with full pay, etc. may raise his profile as a red radical, but they certainly don’t appeal to everyone. The polarization ensures that he can unite the left-left voters behind him. But for the elections – where more than the utmost is needed to win – it does not help him.
Kickl as a right-wing radical
Even though Babeler and Kickl don’t have much in common, Herbert Kickl has the same problem. He seems to have no problem keeping his core right-wing voters satisfied with populist slogans. But: The fantasies of the “Austrian fortress” can give him enthusiastic gossip in the ultra-blue beer tent, but others must be repelled by radicalism. Even if he is now in first place: these votes must also be kept away from the protest and collected at the ballot box!
Nehammer as a smiling third party?
And this is exactly where Nehammer’s opportunity lies. If he succeeds in positioning himself between the extreme left and the extreme right, he could come out on top in next year’s elections as a smiling third party and overtake everyone else. Playing Kickl and Babeler off against each other and providing a safe haven for those yearning for political calm and stability will be a supreme discipline. After all, the middle has the most vocal potential!
What else does it take for Nehammer to take first place
Of course, this strategic game sounds very simple and logical in theory. Unfortunately it isn’t. That’s why credible content is needed to inspire the middle and get them out of frustration. Normal discussions and money panic are certainly not part of it!
Source: Krone
I am George Kunkel, an author working for Today Times Live. I specialize in opinion pieces and cover stories that are both informative and thought-provoking – helping to shape public discourse on key issues. My work is regularly featured across the network’s many platforms, including print media and social media.
