Meeting of Styrian SPÖ with Settlement of Lang's Withdrawal
Under the title "Line-up of the SPÖ Styria for opposition politics", Anton Lang stepped down during a meeting of the state party executive committee. In his place, the "party rebel" from Upper Styria, Max Lercher, takes the lead for the first time in opposition.
Lercher's Statement After Lang's Resignation
Lang himself did not step in front of the microphones after the meeting. Lercher was given the floor, with Doris Kampus and Ursula Lackner, as well as Jörg Leichtfried and others, on his left and right. Lercher first thanked Lang, who "did everything until the last minute to create the best possible transition in the SPÖ Styria". He did not push for publicity, but created solutions in the background, said the designated party chairman.
"I am often referred to as a party rebel. I have reflected on why: I think it's because I like to call things by their name. I want to continue this in my new role. I was elected as the designated chairman with 87 percent. Even for me, this is surprising because - to be honest: I do not have friends everywhere in the movement. It is my task to strengthen the friendship. I am aware of this and I thank you for your trust." At his suggestion, Hannes Schwarz will remain club chairman. According to Lercher, he was confirmed with over 93 percent.
Lercher continued: "We could now say: The results were like this because we communicated poorly, or were not heard, or did not manage processes well. I do not want to do that. We have understood that in many parts we no longer have credibility. I am sorry - especially with the results among the workers and women. There must be a reason why the FPÖ is elected. One should not gloss over this reason, one must face it and build credibility."
Lercher: "We Will Not Be Bluntly Against Everything"
He wants to present "solutions without ideological blinkers": "The reality of life of the people, the worries and needs of the Styrians are my political program, we have to face this. From today on we go - as it looks - for the first time into opposition. We will not be bluntly against everything." The SPÖ wants to contribute constructively where it can, but be tough where what was announced is not met.
Lercher continued: "What was promised is a new style in Styria, away from the old system. But we also know what it's like to be in the grip of the ÖVP on many issues that are close to our hearts. The Freedom Party will now experience this. Mario Kunasek made a conscious decision, despite the extended hand of social democracy, towards the ÖVP. For the sake of Styria, I hope that these negotiations will bring good things. Knowing how politics works, especially from the ÖVP, I dare to doubt this." He therefore wants to make a statement: If this willingness to reform, which the designated government parties apparently desire, does not come, "the Social Democrats are ready to hold talks to improve the reality of life for the Styrians."
However, it remained unclear whether and how Lercher will have a place in the new state parliament. He had only run in 24th place in his constituency of Upper Styria, and even only 77th on the state list. Therefore, dozens of politicians ranked ahead of him would have to give up their mandate for him to get a seat in the state parliament. When asked by journalists how this would be resolved, Lercher put off the question until the coming days. Further questions were not answered. The party said that they would look into the matter until next week.
Doskozil Congratulates Lercher
Burgenland's Governor Hans Peter Doskozil, whom Lercher had supported in last year's election for the federal party chairmanship, congratulated the Upper Styrian: "With him at the helm, the SPÖ Styria is well equipped to master the challenges of the future. Max Lercher is exactly the right person for this responsible task, and I am convinced that he will lead the party excellently with his clear line and his determination."
The Styrian ÖVP boss Christopher Drexler thanked Lang in a press release: "Our personal cooperation was always characterized by a respectful and trusting togetherness. I got to know and appreciate him as a politician who negotiated hard but always fair in the matter. He pursued the goal of further developing our Styria every day with all his heart and full force. I have the utmost respect for his achievements and his way of dealing not only with political competitors, but with everyone on an equal footing."
Leoben's Mayor Against "Frontal Opposition Politics"
Lang and Lercher did not make a statement to the media before the meeting, but Leoben's Mayor Kurt Wallner, who was one of the first to loudly suggest a possible coalition with the FPÖ after the election, said: "I expect unity and an open word from the meeting." He spoke out for Lercher, but also said that there should be no "frontal opposition politics", but "critical and constructive positions".
In addition to Lang, Lercher and Wallner, other mayors from cities such as Knittelfeld's city boss Harald Bergmann and other important representatives of the Styrian SPÖ took part in the meeting: the trade unionists Josef Muchitsch and Horst Schachner, Klaus Zenz (FSG), Elisabeth Grossmann and Graz city council club chairwoman Daniela Schlüsselberger.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.