“As Federal President, I would like to thank everyone who exercised their democratic rights and went to the polls today. That is important,” said the new, old Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen on Sunday evening after his re-election. He called election day the “highest holiday of democracy”. Van der Bellen was aware that there was a lot of work ahead of him and invited “all constructive forces” to work together: “Let’s tackle it together.”
As a candidate, he would like to “thank everyone who has placed their trust in me”, according to Van der Bellen. Now it is important to look ahead together and to commit ourselves to important matters without delay. “Whether you entrusted your vote to me personally or to another candidate, I will work to the best of my knowledge and belief for all Austrians and everyone living in Austria.”
“It takes solidarity”
And further: “I invite all constructive forces: let’s tackle it together. The tasks ahead are great and it takes solidarity to solve them. I’m going to work tomorrow and do my bit.” Van der Bellen: “There is so much to do, I’m looking forward to it.”
“Very concerned” for the election
In an interview with ORF, he assured: “It’s a really great night for me, you can believe me.” And he said he was very concerned. The ‘continuous talk’ that he would be elected anyway could have resulted in many not voting, he stressed. There were many uncertainties, especially with this election – and never before so many candidates.
He said he would not change the way he held his office. “My main goal is to be reliable.” He already has plans for tomorrow, Monday. He wanted to “sleep in,” he revealed.
“Thanks for voting”
Even before the final decision that re-election would succeed in the first ballot, Van der Bellen thanked his voters in a video message. “Thanks for voting. I’ll handle it with care,” he promised in a message that was circulated late Sunday on social media and was also cheered at the election center by his supporters.
Previously, campaign spokesman Stephan Götz-Bruha of Van der Bellen was satisfied with the extrapolation results. It is for us “very, very nice if the result lasts”. Götz-Bruha pointed to the record number of six opponents and the prevailing crises. Moreover, second-rate elections are very common internationally.
Source: Krone
I’m an experienced news author and editor based in New York City. I specialize in covering healthcare news stories for Today Times Live, helping to keep readers informed on the latest developments related to the industry. I have a deep understanding of medical topics, including emerging treatments and drugs, the changing laws that regulate healthcare providers, and other matters that affect public health.
