Rumors that Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler of the Greens would no longer be available until the end of the parliamentary term are growing louder.
Does she do it or doesn’t she?
The question of whether Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler will stand as a candidate for the Greens in the EU elections and therefore leave the ministry early has been occupying the party apparatus around Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler for weeks. She should aim for the office of EU commissioner – although that traditionally goes to the party with the largest number of votes.
Now there are increasing signs that Gewessler’s move to the EU stage is becoming increasingly likely: “Leonore Gewessler was founder and director of the Green European Foundation from 2008 to 2014, she knows the Brussels stage. She is our most high-profile environmental politician, so it is only natural to nominate her for this important office,” a senior party member told the “Krone” on Tuesday.
SPÖ and FPÖ already have candidates
The next EU elections will not take place until June 9, 2024, but have been casting their shadow for some time. While the SPÖ with Andreas Schieder and the FPÖ with Harald Vilimsky already have a permanent starter, the government parties are still keeping a low profile.
The ÖVP repeatedly mentions the name Alexander Schallenberg; As a diplomat with a long track record of service, the Minister of Foreign Affairs also has experience on the European stage. And: In the side letter to the coalition, the ÖVP guaranteed itself the right to appoint the EU Commissioner. The ÖVP boss, who gave this up without necessity, is probably “dead” within the party, according to insiders.
Kogler takes over the agendas
For the Greens, the dice should be rolled in the coming days. By the way, two other prominent people within the party are under discussion, it is said: Justice Minister Alma Zadić and climate activist and ‘Krone’ columnist Lena Schilling.
The next National Council elections are likely to take place in September 2024. If Gewessler actually leaves for Brussels, the only question that remains is: who will continue to pursue the environmental agenda until the end of the legislature? “That would make Kogler a matter for the boss,” said the insider.
Gewessler himself does not want to confirm the rumors: “As has been emphasized many times, I really enjoy being a minister and I want to remain one. We still have plenty to do in the fight against the climate crisis and that is exactly where I want to contribute. Everything else is irrelevant to me and belongs to the realm of speculation.”
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.
