“Caprese” in Innsbruck – Opponents in election party: is there a new coalition here?

“It’s just starting now,” Anzengruber said. Now it is time to “move Innsbruck forward”, the new mayor also welcomed the arrival of his political competitors.

“This is your and our success,” celebrated Anzengruber, especially his immediate supporters and companions. The ‘ordinary’ was paramount in his ‘movement’ and they tried to ‘take with them’ as much as possible. The former mountain farmer emphasized that special thanks also go to his family.

Probably a ‘Caprese’ coalition in Innsbruck
Remarkable and politically spicy: former city manager Georg Willi (Greens), who was defeated in the second round, joined Anzengruber on the Treibhaus stage, as did SPÖ mayoral candidate Elisabeth Mayr (SPÖ). “We will do something good,” Anzengruber quietly hinted at a future collaboration.

In other words, a “Caprese” coalition: an alliance of red (tomato), green (basil) and mozzarella white (list YES).

Willi: “A very good sign”
Willi saw it as a “very good sign that we are all there together”. They all have the same goals. Willi also recalled Anzengruber’s deselection as deputy mayor. “Get up and keep going” was crucial, praised the defeated Willi. Mayr said that Innsbruck had decided on something “new” and congratulated the competitor. A centre-left coalition consisting of the same parties was recently considered likely.

Hörl and Dornauer also at the party
Anzengruber was earlier welcomed to the forecourt amid a shower of confetti, bubble guns and shouts of “This is what winners look like.” The newly elected mayor and his wife Valentina promptly danced on the paving stones to the sounds of a band. The election winner received a gift box with Zillertal beer from National Councilor Franz Hörl (ÖVP). Deputy state governor Georg Dornauer (SPÖ) also arrived at the greenhouse on election night.

The Treibhaus cultural site in Innsbruck, which is not necessarily considered a bourgeois stronghold, was probably chosen by Anzengruber as the location for his election party as an impartial signal. The Greens had already promised to come – regardless of the election outcome.

Cheers also to the defeated Willi
The now ex-city boss Willi was previously applauded by his Green colleagues despite his defeat at the election party. Touched and tearful, he thanked his helpers for the election campaign: “It was just great.” Most importantly, the “party landscape in the municipal council has changed” and the Greens have emerged as the strongest faction in the list elections.

The initial situation was “incredibly difficult” for the Greens, Willi reflected in a restaurant in the old town. Especially since the second round winner Anzengruber announced that he would ride with his own list. Nevertheless, ‘he was not deterred’; he considered himself and his family to be steadfast. “The election success on April 14 was the reward for that,” he said, admitting: “Today things didn’t go so well.” He truly believed that “the day would end well.” Everything turned out differently.”

Campaign support for the National Council elections
In addition to the Innsbruck and the Tyrolean state vegetables, Willi also thanked the federal government for support. Federal spokesman Werner Kogler arrived on election day; Willi had previously received political support from ministers Leonore Gewessler and Alma Zadic. The ex-mayor promised to help the Federal Greens campaign in the National Council elections: “We will fully support you so that it will be a great election for the Greens.”

Green Party spokesperson Gebi Mair paid Willi respect: “Bravo, bravo, bravo.” He was impressed by what the Greens of Innsbruck ‘got’ from these elections. Now it must be said: “Rise, straighten your crown, keep fighting.”