The SPÖ’s verbal attacks against the Mateschitz family have caused quite a stir in domestic politics. The debate about red envy is sometimes not well received even within the social democrats. And now Andreas Babler is also rowing back. The SPÖ federal party leader described the discussion as a “political fringe issue” on Tuesday.
The SPÖ group leader recently focused on the heirs of Red Bull. “If Mark Mateschitz had paid estate taxes, it could have brought the state several billions,” said Babler. He added that after paying inheritance tax, Mateschitz “would still be the second richest Austrian”.
‘We all agree on that’
On Tuesday he weakened his statements: “It’s not about people. The SPÖ outlines what a fair tax policy looks like,” emphasizes Babler. The goal is the best healthcare, care and education – ‘We all agree on that.’ A central demand is therefore more justice.
SPÖ Steiermark thanks Mateschitz
Babler’s withdrawal can also be explained by the fact that not everyone in the SPÖ agrees with the criticism of the Mateschitz family. For example, the Styrian Social Democrats recognize the achievements of the late Red Bull founder Didi Mateschitz. “In Styria, we will always be grateful to Dietrich Mateschitz for his services,” Styrian SPÖ chairman and deputy governor Anton Lang told the “Krone”. The governor of Burgenland, Hans Peter Doskozil, also finds the jealousy debate about Mateschitz “superfluous”.
Babeler sees the party united despite cross shots
Speaking of Burgenland. There have recently been internal crossfires against Babler. Nevertheless, the federal party leader of the SPÖ sees social democracy as united. When it comes to central substantive questions, they are ‘very close’, he emphasized on Tuesday during an appointment as part of his ‘comeback tour’ in Pinkafeld (Oberwart district). Baber visited the SOS Children’s Village there. The fact that he was not received by any state politician in Burgenland did not offend him, he said.
Doskozil had said over the weekend that Babler would now be overtaken by the “internal dynamics of the party”. In addition, Babeler stated that there was a substantive discussion, but that he did not want to interpret “half sentences”. Social Democracy is experiencing a “strong time” and there is a lively influx of members and events.
Doskozil for a minimum wage of 2,000 euros, Babler for a 32-hour week
Doskozil continues to support the minimum wage of EUR 2,000 net, while Babler supports the 32-hour working week – although this should not happen ‘overnight’, but with the involvement of the social partners. Given the work intensity, the desire to reduce working hours mainly comes from nursing. The goal should be higher wages, and here again he sees no contradiction in the party: “You can discuss how to get higher wages.” In any case, he has great confidence in the union.
As for Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) to expand childcare, Babler sees it as a “issue of credibility” as the ÖVP has been “denying” the issue for 35 years.
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.
