We have a ‘party virus’ in Austria, says David Packer of the ‘Best Austria’ movement. The constitution is good, but the party virus comes in all kinds of colors. “Parties do not represent the people, but only themselves. The virus penetrates all public spaces, including the ORF,” says Packer in an interview with Jana Pasching. He also sees the ‘party virus’ as the cause of the crisis-ridden times in which we live.
Packer wants to stand as a candidate with his movement for both the National Council elections and the European elections, but needs the necessary signatures for this. They must be handed in before the EU elections next Friday. “So far we have tried to follow the route of EU representatives (one signature required) or members of the National Council (three signatures required) – or collect the 2,600 expressions of support. “But that is completely impossible nowadays and you can also see from the results who actually gets it done.” Five parties are on the list in the EU elections in June, namely the National Council Parties ÖVP, SPÖ, FPÖ, Greens and NEOS. who can rely on parliamentarians. But the KPÖ will probably have at least a sixth.
Politics as a stage for staging
Packer doesn’t think much about potential inducements in exchange for endorsements. “I find giving away beer for expressions of support, as beer party chairman Dominik Wlazny did during the federal presidential elections, reprehensible and actually a business model. He just takes it as publicity. In my opinion, politics cannot and should not be a stage for staging.” He is also not surprised that the pan-European party VOLT is raffling tickets for Taylor Swift in return, and that criminal proceedings are now on the horizon thanks to a complaint from the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
Citizens’ councils for more participation
Packer advocates greater citizen participation through citizen councils, which should be composed of a broad cross-section of the population and develop solutions with the help of experts. These solutions are then used to make decisions in the National Council or the European Parliament, Packer explains. “Politicians or parties cannot then vote based on their own interests, but must adhere to the results of the citizens’ assemblies.”
Packer dreams that “Austria will once again become a state where there is a certain quality of life.” Because things are going way downhill. From an evolutionary perspective, it would also be logical for Packer that there would be further development of the party system. “They once had their purpose, but now it’s time for something new.”
We explain what Austria is currently dealing with: the latest news conversations with politicians and experts.
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.
