Green election analysis: – “We must defend ourselves more against lies”

“Krone”: Mrs Krautwaschl, have you already processed Sunday’s result?
Sandra Krautwaschl: There is no need to hide anything, it was a big disappointment, you felt that on election night. But what immediately made me feel positive was the enormous solidarity. And we know: it is now about Styrian issues. We are incredibly motivated.

The Greens have lost a lot in the cities, including Graz. What is your explanation for this?
Governments all over Europe are being punished, that is one aspect. The right-wing populist side works with fears that of course have a real background due to the crises. This harms us as a progressive, creative force. And then there was the tactical voting (voting for the SPÖ to prevent the FPÖ from winning, mind you), but that was of no use anyway.

Will the National Council election results change the Green election campaign?
No, I don’t think it failed because of the content. We have been pursuing good politics for years. Social benefits are linked to inflation, emissions are falling and there is more transparency, for example by abolishing official secrecy. This begs the question: why weren’t you chosen then? The only criticism that can be leveled at us is that we have not explained all this well enough to people. But we have a great chance to gain something back in Styria.

What makes you optimistic?
We have many solutions to offer that we have tried to improve over the years. But they came up against the ‘business as usual’ conglomerate of ÖVP and SPÖ – we were still able to put forward constructive and objective arguments. We make home visits, go out, I do a neighborhood tour. We will not only write solidarity on posters, but also live it: please come to us, you may have different opinions, but I would like to talk to you about my plans for Styria.

What will the green campaign focus on?
It will come as no surprise that soil and environmental protection will be an important topic. The space must be returned to nature. The second year of free kindergarten is also very important for me. In this respect, Styria lags behind other states. The counter argument is often that it is too expensive. Then we stop carrying out one useless concrete project after another. The B70 and B68 alone cost more than 100 million euros. At the very least, we could fund free preschool for ten years. And we urgently need mandatory photovoltaic energy on large parking lots. This would increase the adoption of renewable energy and reduce land waste.

It is often said that elections are decided in Graz. Vice Mayor Judith Schwentner’s transportation policy is polarizing. Will this play a role in the state elections?
Transport policy is always polarizing. Judith Schwentner was chosen, among other things, because of her promise to distribute space in the city more fairly for all mobility participants, including pedestrians, cyclists and public transport drivers. But there will always be cars in Graz. Much of what is criticized – and the ÖVP knows this very well – was decided under Mayor Siegfried Nagl. We Greens are often so honest when we work that we do not adequately defend ourselves against the lies and propaganda that are spread about us.

Will the government negotiations in Vienna have consequences for the state elections?
I hardly think so. They will probably only be seriously implemented after November 24.

Do you want to be part of the next state government?
Whether we are in opposition or in government, we must be a strong climate voice to achieve anything. That’s why I’m going running in the coming weeks. I would really like to design, but it is not an end in itself. We have also made a lot of progress in the opposition. But if we become stronger in the elections, I will be ready for anything.