Federal President Sketches Picture of "Austria, Where I Want to Live" in New Year's Speech
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen encourages in his New Year's address to think about "a very fundamental question". "Namely: In which country do we want to live?" Much is uncertain, unclear and confusing. "But we need a common picture of what our country should look like. An idea of Austria and the will to shape this Austria", says Van der Bellen in the speech, which will be broadcast on ORF in the evening.
Van der Bellen on New Year: "Need a Common Picture of Austria"
The task also points to the future, said the Federal President. He does not only mean the next year, but also how Austria will develop in the coming decades. "And what should people in thirty, in a hundred years, think about the Austria of today?" Van der Bellen himself had some answers to the questions about the future.
He believes in a country in the midst of Europe, which understands "not to let conflicts end in irreconcilability, but to marry contrasts", said Van der Bellen. Among other things, he compared the ongoing government negotiations with the balancing of interests in families. At the turn of the year, one can make plans for the future and focus on essential things. Finding common solutions could "also be a test of patience for all of us".
Security and Peace are the Goal
The head of state also believes in Austria's wealth of culture and nature. Through a sustainable economy, Austria can create lasting prosperity for all citizens. This should work thanks to the "most liveable environment for our future generations". Van der Bellen also mentioned a fair and "knowledge-based society with global competitiveness". People should know that "their willingness to make an effort is worthwhile".
As a member of the European Union, the president wants to be "aware of the advantages of an alliance of 450 million people". His wish is for an Austria whose main goal is security and peace. For Van der Bellen, this also includes strengthening the country's defence capabilities.
"Austria, Where I Want to Live"
"This is the Austria where I want to live", he summed up his ideas. In conclusion, Van der Bellen invited the listeners to think about other things that "make up our country and will continue to do so".
(APA/Red)
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