Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen called in his New Year’s speech not to make hasty statements about the year 2023, despite all the fears and negative expectations. It is important “that you allow hope”, said the head of state in his speech, which will be broadcast on Sunday evening on ORF. Van der Bellen does not yet see the domestic “water damage” that he spoke about in October in view of the recovery of the ÖVP affair.
Van der Bellen spoke about steps that have not yet been taken to remove doubts about the integrity of politics. “The general renovation has still not started,” criticized the head of state: “And I would like to say at this point: The Austrians are waiting for it. And so am I.”
He cited this as one of many problems that raised fears that the coming year would be more difficult than the previous one. Van der Bellen mainly mentioned the economic situation with inflation and high energy prices as a result of the Russian offensive war in Ukraine, but also the climate crisis with its consequences and the consequences of the pandemic.
It is important to “allow hope”
Nevertheless, the Federal President called for a willingness to be positively surprised by the coming year. “I know some people think that’s naive. And some can’t hear it anymore when I say for what feels like the 100th time, ‘We’ll be fine.’ .
Van der Bellen mentioned important tasks that together made the success of the community possible: from parents to care recipients. Social Affairs and Medicine to teachers and students, politically engaged people, journalists, business people, retirees or the executive.
“If we do all our daily tasks with optimism and good will and do our best within our own personal possibilities, step by step: then our year together will be good. Because that’s how we can best help each other,” said the Federal President.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
