Energy crisis, inflation crisis, corona crisis, climate crisis: while the overview of the current challenges in our country is becoming increasingly difficult, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen appeals to cohesion and solidarity among the population – this is “our weapon” in the Ukraine war. As part of his “Austrian Declaration” on Monday, he also made the federal government accountable: you must tell the people the truth and “lead, not seduce”.
The Austrians had “legitimate concerns,” Van der Bellen said shortly before the start of his official election campaign in his native Kaunertal. A special effort from the government is therefore needed, especially the communication of the anti-inflation packages is “improvable”.
More than 30 billion packages had been compiled, but he too lost track of “what comes into effect when when” and what should be requested where.
Van der Bellen quotes Karner about “conversation”
He also referred to recent statements by members of the government: “Very unfortunate formulations have been made.” For example, one should “avoid publicly questioning Supreme Court rulings”. He will “seek talks” with Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) in the coming days, Van der Bellen said, citing statements by the department head about the deportation of young people.
The incumbent president pledged that he would “do his own thing” to enhance integrity, rigor and decency, who – about a week after his hiking accident on the Kaunergrat – presented himself quite deftly on a high plateau about 2,000 meters above sea level. presented the front of the representatives of the press.
Weights now essential
He spent his entire life in the mountains – for a “clearer view” and to “step by step leave the lowlands of everyday life behind”, according to the man from Kaunertal, who, together with his wife Doris Schmidauer and the press walked to the Verzaadhütte. “Weights” are essential “especially in times when so many glittering and justified fears” preoccupy people.
It is “one of the challenges for the Federal President” to “always look at the big picture” and distinguish between the “important and less important matters”.
“Don’t promise seductive things”
At the beginning of his speech, the former leader of the Greens spoke about the climate crisis under this premise. You should “tell people the truth, even if it’s awkward” instead of “promise tempting things.” “A president should lead, not seduce,” Van der Bellen said repeatedly – also in the context of the war in Ukraine. You should not promise people that their situation would improve if the sanctions were lifted, Van der Bellen also referred to inflation.
„Putin attacks our way of life”
“Putin is attacking not only Ukraine, but also our way of life,” the election campaigner continued, calling for unity: “We must defend ourselves, resist, contradict and watch.” “Solidarity is our weapon,” the president said. “We can put Putin in his place.”
“You know me”, Van der Bellen, who won 53.8 percent in 2016 in a second round from his blue opponent Norbert Hofer, tried to build on his experience.
President in campaign mood
Anyway, sometimes he even feels like he’s found something like his “fate” in adulthood. He looks forward to a possible second term in office with “respect”; he has “gained in confidence, experience, strength and knowledge”, emphasizes Van der Bellen. He believes in “integrity, rigor and decency” and wants to “represent Austria with integrity” and “appear serious to the outside world”.
Van der Bellen is still collecting signatures
Van der Bellen is currently collecting statements of support for his re-election. He and several others, including lesser-known individuals and representatives of small parties, have until 5 p.m. Friday.
Lawyer and columnist Tassilo Wallentin announced that he had received about 18,000 statements of support. That is three times more than would be necessary for a candidacy.
Source: Krone
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