Figl is the new Chairman of the Vienna ÖVP

He had already been acting as the interim party leader. Now, the official appointment took place during a party conference. Figl steps into the shoes of Karl Mahrer, who resigned after the defeat in the Vienna election last April.

The deputies of the new party leader were also appointed. In the future, Figl will be supported in this role by city councilor Elisabeth Olischar, Hietzing district chairwoman Johanna Zinkl, and Döbling district chairman Daniel Resch. They received 84.7, 88.3, and 85.8 percent of the 274 delegate votes, respectively.

Vienna ÖVP: Figl elected as chairman with 86.1 percent

Figl expressed satisfaction with the result and thanked those present. The 51-year-old grandnephew of former Chancellor Leopold Figl is the 16th chairman of the Vienna People's Party. He will not move to the town hall; he will continue to serve as district chairman in the city.

The restart in the Expedithalle in the former Ankerbrot factory in Vienna-Favoriten literally took place on a construction site. The stage decoration included pallets and various tools - from shovels and brooms to a cement mixer. On stylized barrier tapes, "Caution, something new is being created here" could be read.

In his speech at the party conference, Figl reported on a question he had been asked very often recently. Namely: "Why are you actually doing this?" The answer was: "Because I like politics." He vowed to contribute to the future development of the city. "There was an election result that hit us hard, and we must not sugarcoat it," noted the city district chairman. It was necessary to draw consequences.

"Future Workshop" initiated

One must offer an alternative to the prevailing system. The city government started weakly and then significantly declined, he stated. The budget is not under control. The renovation is happening chaotically and without a plan.

Figl wants to address the weakness of the Vienna ÖVP with an internal party "Future Workshop." They want to give people hope, confidence, and courage for the times ahead. He invited those present to participate in the discussion process: "Let's tackle it together."

Stocker Hopes for an Upswing

Federal Party Chairman and Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker had previously pointed out in his speech that as a People's Party, they have always successfully managed crises. He is confident that this will be the case this time as well. "Who, if not the People's Party, should achieve this?"

Stocker did not hide the fact that it is difficult for the ÖVP to do politics in Vienna. However, Figl is the right person to lead the People's Party to success in Vienna in the future.

According to Stocker, political responsibility was "practically placed in his cradle," referring to the family history of the new chairman. Figl stands for a city where performance "is more than social benefits." For the future of the ÖVP in the city, he is therefore the right person: "So that the upswing also succeeds in Vienna."

(APA/Red)

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