A vote on the highest office in the state is scheduled for Oct. 9. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen is the favourite. The FPÖ is the only party participating in the race. Experts analyze options.
It should be October 9. Who can move into the noble Hofburg in the center of Vienna? Looks like the previous “tenant” stays. Incumbent Alexander Van der Bellen enjoys the best opinion polls and the support of the Greens as well as the SPÖ and NEOS. That’s why the mentioned people don’t send their own people into the race.
ÖVP line “very problematic”
The ÖVP does the same, but does not make voting recommendations. Strangely, says FPÖ ideologue Andreas Mölzer: “With the ÖVP, this is very problematic in terms of democratic policy.” As a state support party without an outspoken endorsement, you have a duty to run for the highest office in the state. However, the FPÖ fulfills its task in this. The big question remains: who is running for blue?
Does Kickl itself compete?
At the beginning of July, you want to name the person you trust. Brigitte Bierlein, ex-chancellor of the interim government after Ibiza, is said to have been named. She has canceled, although polls say she would get 20 percent of the vote even without party support. According to Mölzer, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl himself could appear damaged “if he ends up with 15 percent in a party with a potential of 25 percent”.
Another former candidate is Norbert Steger. The ex-Vice Chancellor tells the “Krone”: “I have been asked several times. But I am not a suitable ‘deputy emperor’. Rather, I am for the abolition of the office.”
There remains a favorite called Susanne Fürst
Susanne Fürst remains the blue favourite. Mölzer thinks that the 53-year-old lawyer and Member of Parliament would be a good match for 78-year-old Van der Bellen. According to information from “Krone”, she has yet to be convinced. But it could also be that the FPÖ leaves the field to the “nice candidates” Gerald Grosz (ex-BZÖ) and Marco Pogo (beer party) almost as a joke and frisky.
It is unlikely because the FPÖ has already applied, says Andreas Mölzer. But with the party you never know. Polls confirm the two flashed up to 14 percent. What that says about the incumbents is for everyone to interpret for themselves.
Source: Krone
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