The saying that “Syrians, Afghans and Arabs” had taken over Vienna’s Brunnenmarkt had drawn much criticism against Vienna’s ÖVP leader Karl Mahrer. He doesn’t want to take it back or apologize for it. On the contrary: in the conversation with Katia Wagner he goes even further …
“In some areas, the Austrians and the Viennese have been part of the minority society for a long time,” says the former vice president of the Viennese police. He has nothing against the variety that a market offers, but he still misses the local exhibitors at the Viennese Brunnenmarkt. “You don’t hear a word of German there anymore,” says Mahrer.
“That would be racist politics”
The deputy mayor of the city, Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS), does not want to be “badly talked about” about the Brunnenmarkt. “Integration takes place there. Without the immigrants, the market would be empty,” he explains. Wiederkehr appreciates the “live market” and refuses to distinguish exhibitors on the basis of their nationality, because – according to the deputy mayor – “that would be a discriminatory, racist policy”.
How much change is good?
The green city politician Judith Pühringer also lives near the Brunnenmarkt and appreciates the “liveliness”. Mahrer just wanted to “split society and crowds”. “It’s great that Vienna is changing because it’s growing,” explains Pühringer. Issues can still be addressed, of course, especially when it comes to the Viennese’s sense of security. Nevertheless, she makes it clear: “I do not feel unsafe in Vienna. Vienna is a safe city.”
Bobo District vs Favorites
The FPÖ politician sees things differently in the group. Member of the state parliament Stefan Berger testifies of Pühringer and Wiederkehr’s “refusal of reality”. “It may be nice in the Bobo district, but in favorites it looks very different,” explains the chairman of the FPÖ favorites: “There are Halloween riots, New Year’s riots and mass brawls.” the subway out of fear. “It can’t be like that,” says Berger.
Standler job is “a matter of mindset”
Marcus Arige, president of the Social Democratic Business Association in Vienna (SPÖ), defends the foreign market vendors. Our market economy changes with supply and demand. As a “double migrant” – he is an Upper Austrian in Vienna and half Syrian – he is sure: “Diversity has always made us stronger, especially economically!” That many market vendors have a migration background is “perhaps a matter of mentality”. He wonders, “Who wants to get up so early?”
Falafel or Sausage?
Despite deep disagreements, the discussants eventually come to a conciliatory end. Mahrer (ÖVP) would be willing to go on “falafel duerum” with the Green politician Pühringer and the deputy mayor to get a new picture of the situation. “Or we go for a sausage,” adds Mahrer.
“Katia Wagner – the talk” can be seen every Wednesday at 8:15 PM on krone.tv! Join the discussion and tune in!
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.
