A blue-black-green coalition? No – completely unthinkable in the federal government, but currently also excluded in Styria. And yet at the Styrian Ball in Vienna it was precisely those ‘enemy images’ of the ÖVP, FPÖ and the Greens that showed what would now be needed for the Republic: the willingness to talk across party lines.
A storm of flashbulbs at the Steirerball on Friday in Vienna, when the new Styrian FP governor Mario Kunasek and his ÖVP predecessor Christopher Drexler warmly greeted each other. Full media coverage as a round of talks between the Blue and Black Parties met the two Green members of the government, Werner Kogler and Leonore Gewessler.
How will Kunasek handle his first major appearance as head of state in the federal capital? At the opening of the ball, the eyes and ears of the 3,500 guests were focused on him. He has a remarkable command of it, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and balance. And after the much-cheered speech, he hugs the black Drexler and the green Kogler.
Yes, blue people can be like that too…
“That is the custom in Styria,” says Kunasek, recalling something that his Black and Red predecessors already put into practice: only together can we move the country forward. With good will, willingness to talk, quality of handshake. A Styrian custom that we know in a similar way from most other states.
Instead of wasting all energy on each other, working together to move something forward for the country, this should become an “Austrian habit” again.
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.
