In an interview with the “Krone”, the ambassador to the US speaks about the presidential elections and the “fundamental familiarity between our two countries”.
“Kron”: Madam Ambassador, the Americans have – surprisingly clearly – elected Donald Trump as their president. Did you already expect that?
Petra Schneebauer: The polls have been very close in recent months and many analysts assumed that it would take several days before the election results would be known. The fact that the election results have now been determined so quickly gives us clarity, and that is to be welcomed.
How did you experience election night?
The election evening was of course very exciting for me and I spent it in the embassy and observed the various media in order to quickly make an initial analysis. To get through the evening invigorated, a dear colleague cooked goulash for the entire embassy team.
In Europe, many people cannot understand that someone like Donald Trump could be elected president. Do you have an explanation?
Trump is not unique, but a phenomenon of his time. For the first time in generations, it is no longer clear that the next generation will be better off. Trump touched many people emotionally because of their fear of social decline. He managed to mobilize many voters in the swing states; inflation played a major role in this.
What do these elections mean for Austria and Europe?
One thing is clear: the transatlantic partnership will also be important for the future government. Even a superpower like the US cannot solve global problems alone.
Does the election affect your role as ambassador?
As Secretary of State Schallenberg has emphasized, we will seek the closest cooperation with any U.S. President and will quickly establish initial contacts with the Trump Administration. Since 2019, we have been conducting an annual strategic dialogue with the US on the main topics that affect our cooperation, for example: B. also on our cooperation in the Western Balkans.
One thing I always emphasize is that the relationship with the US has a long history: after the end of World War II, the US supported the reconstruction of Austria with the Marshall Plan, which helped Austria achieve new prosperity. So there is a fundamental familiarity between our two countries.
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.
