Former French President François Hollande (2012-2017) visited Viennese Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) on Wednesday. During a meeting in the town hall, reference was made to the good and historically important relationship between Austria and Vienna with France – and to the current challenges in Europe. Hollande signed the Golden Book of the City of Vienna and also gave a lecture at the Vienna Museum in the afternoon.
During his speech, Hollande warned of a standstill in Europe and described the upcoming EU elections as an election of fate. He described the war in Ukraine, climate change and migration as the continent’s main problems.
Meeting with Ludwig at the town hall
Ludwig had previously welcomed his guest to the Red Salon of the Town Hall. This was the place where Austria’s provisional government met for the first time after the war in 1945. Explaining the history of the area, the mayor emphasized: “We are particularly grateful for the contribution France has made to the liberation from the Nazi regime.” Ludwig was convinced that the future of a common Europe once again faces major challenges.
It is threatened by outside forces, such as Russia, which has invaded Ukraine. But there are also right-wing extremist forces within the European Union that are closely linked to Russia. This makes politicians like François Hollande, who are committed to a common Europe, all the more important, according to Ludwig. He also remembered his visitor’s political work, which, as Ludwig assured him, he had always greatly appreciated. As an example, he cited the international climate protection agreement signed in Paris in 2015 during Hollande’s term in office.
Hollande praised Vienna’s role in diplomacy
Socialist Hollande noted that it was his first visit to City Hall. He already knows Vienna himself, also because he was an employee of the former French head of state François Mitterand and was introduced to Austria’s social policy here. Hollande also praised Vienna’s traditional role as a city of diplomacy, where the OSCE has its headquarters.
However, their attempt to restore stability with the 2015 Minsk Agreement (to end the war in eastern Ukraine, mind you) failed. “Everything has changed fundamentally in the last two years,” Hollande said. Diplomacy is of no use anymore. “Ukraine needs our support so that it can defend itself,” the former president of France made clear. And Europe is more than just a common market. “We must defend Europe, politically and, if necessary, militarily.”
The visit was initiated by former Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann (SPÖ). He was also present at the meeting at the town hall.
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.
