Daniel Fellner is the new Carinthian SPÖ Party Leader
Fellner received 481 of the 499 valid votes cast. Opponent Wolfgang Rami received 3.61 percent, and 13 votes were invalid. Previously, Kaiser had bid farewell to the delegates after 15 years as party leader.
"I am so incredibly proud of the unity we have achieved today. Now we roll up our sleeves and get to work!" Fellner shouted to the crowd immediately after his election.
"No more wagging finger"
In his speech at the party conference, Fellner primarily addressed the issue of rising costs: "These are the concerns of the people. I think we need to listen again. Honestly and attentively. Because if we are smart, we will learn something from it again. There is a reason why we have two ears and only one mouth." He emphasized the need to be more present in the communities.
The new party leader also criticized the Austria surcharge in supermarkets or electricity grid fees, calling an increase in contribution years for pensions a "one-sided breach of contract." He transitioned to the topic of asylum with self-criticism: "In the past, we were too often the party with the wagging finger." People who fear for their lives must be helped. But they must adhere to the rules: "If someone in my house does not follow the rules or is disrespectful, then I show them the door." This should "not be a wish, but a duty," Fellner said to applause. And: "If we give in even a millimeter here, then what our strong women's movement has achieved will be undone."
"Politics must be there for the people"
Kaiser had previously reviewed the recent past of the SPÖ and the state of Carinthia. He took over the party leadership in 2010 "after immensely much unrest": "The party unnecessarily weakened itself, we were too preoccupied with ourselves, while Carinthia was characterized by a populist show politics at the expense of taxpayers." Carinthia was also internationally isolated.
Finally, in 2013, the SPÖ became the strongest force again with 37 percent and Kaiser became governor. His credo as state leader: "That politics must be there for all people - a legacy that I have always tried to live up to." Kaiser did not leave out anxious moments in recent history, he mentioned the HCB scandal in the Görtschitztal or the billion-dollar guarantees for the Hypo, which could have driven Carinthia to ruin. Further crises, such as the refugee movement in 2015, the coronavirus pandemic, storms with natural disasters, and most recently the terrorist attack in Villach "were immense challenges that pushed us to our limits. But I never doubted that we could make it if we stood together."
Fellner "is the right choice"
Finally, Kaiser also addressed his potential successor. Daniel Fellner has proven that he is ready to take responsibility: "Daniel, I am proud of you. You are the right choice, today and in 2028," Kaiser ventured a look at the regular date for the next state election.
Federal party leader Andreas Babler thanked Kaiser for his commitment and energy before transitioning to federal issues. In view of high debts and record inflation "we could have made it easier for ourselves and gone into opposition. But that is not our approach, we have taken responsibility. Finally improving living realities, bringing this country back on track, that is our task."
Kaiser's departure as party leader is the first step towards a restructuring of the Carinthian state government as well. When he will give up his office as governor is not yet certain - that is a matter for the new party leader, Kaiser had explained. Recently, a date in spring 2026 was speculated.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.