Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen has already collected 929,236 euros in donations for his Hofburg election campaign. The stated goal is to reach about 1.5 million euros. Media manager and ex-ORF boss Gerhard Zeiler made the largest private donation to date of 50,000 euros.
“Especially in turbulent times, it is important that the head of state has peace of mind, experience and independence. That is exactly what Alexander Van der Bellen stands for. That is why I have decided to actively support his candidacy with a donation,” says Zeiler, explaining his campaign donation.
Van der Bellen did well in his first term and was also important for Austria’s image in the world. “I am determined to ensure that he remains our Federal President,” Zeiler said.
Kogler, Zadic, Gewessler and Rauch have already donated
The association “Together for Van der Bellen – Independent initiative to strengthen liberal democracy” publishes its donors every two weeks (www.vandermatten.at/transparenz). In addition to Zeiler, Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler, Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler, Justice Minister Alma Zadic, Greens club boss Sigrid Maurer (each 4,000 euros) and various state organizations of the Greens are on the list. The biggest problem for Van der Bellen seems to be finding the right balance between holding office and campaigning. He does not want to be accused of using his position for the election campaign.
FPÖ invests three million euros in candidacy Rosary
Van der Bellen has already raised 929,236 euros in donations. His supporters donate an average of 208 euros. In comparison: The Blues invest three million euros in the candidacy of Walter Rosenkranz.
Former governor Schützenhöfer supports VdB . election campaign
Flanked by former Styrian governor Hermann Schützenhöfer (ÖVP), who will support him in the election campaign, Van der Bellen appeared at the Bregenz Festival on Wednesday. So it was clear: Bregenz is the unofficial start of his election campaign. In his opening speech, the head of state surprised with clear words. He urged the federal government to “work, work, work”. But he doesn’t want new elections.
VdB does not want to enter into a TV discussion
On the other hand, criticism is caused by the fact that Van der Bellen will not engage in an election confrontation. Given the bizarre opponents such as Marco Pogo, a TV exhibition would damage the reputation of the agency, Van der Bellen’s advisory team believes. The fact that he does not want to make TV appearances has been criticized by the FPÖ: “Anyone who denigrates serious TV debates in this way has clearly not understood the benefits of objective election information,” lamented Liberal Secretary General Michael Schnedlitz. Instead of hiding in the Hofburg, the incumbent federal president should talk to other candidates. Van der Bellen acts aloof, according to Schnedlitz.
Source: Krone
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