In his annual New Year’s speech, our head of state Alexander Van der Bellen called on us to work together instead of against each other. That does not fit with his bold position, according to which he would not swear in Herbert Kickl as chancellor. He won’t have double standards, will he?
Maybe you have to be Green to understand this logic. But Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen wants us to ‘talk more to each other’ and ‘less about each other’ and to allow different opinions in the new year, while he himself repeatedly told Herbert Kickl in the media that he should not swear to him as the Chancellor wants it, borders a bit on chutzpah. There’s something about preaching water and drinking wine. Mr. Federal President, start with a good example!
‘Daham instead of Islam’ versus ‘headscarf in solidarity for all women’
Of course, Kickl and Van der Bellen are worlds apart ideologically and probably personally. One is a strict and self-disciplined Blue who is responsible for ultra-right and tasteless slogans such as ‘Daham instead of Islam’. On the other hand – even though he now presents himself as neutral given his position – there is a leftist who wanted to ask women to wear the headscarf out of solidarity. It’s hard to imagine what the two would say to each other if they met!
Where Van der Bellen is absolutely right
Such a conversation would be all the more exciting. Van der Bellen is absolutely right when he says in his speech: “In recent years we have gotten into the habit of talking mainly to those who already have the same opinion as us.”
And further: “Anyone who only has their own opinion confirmed will never gain new insights.” Amen. Listening, being open to other opinions and tolerating when someone sees something differently are qualities that many have forgotten. Probably also Van der Bellen.
Where I would like to be a mouse
Because the Federal President should please look at himself and instead of using unctuous words, should act accordingly. For example, he could sit down with Herbert Kickl for a beer and a reconciliation cigarette. One condition: we would like to be present at such a meeting!
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.
