Stalin Memorial Plaque in Vienna: SPÖ and NEOS to Investigate Removal
This was unveiled in 1949 and handed over to the care of the city. The plaque, installed by the Soviet occupying forces after the war, states that Josef Stalin temporarily lived there in 1913.
The city is responsible for the monument's preservation, and in the event of contamination or damage, it is obliged to clean or restore it. In 2012, in agreement with the private homeowner, an additional plaque was added, referring to the victims of Stalinism. The red-pink proposal emphasizes that the city is always striving to contextualize memorial sites that require commentary from today's perspective.
Criticism of Plaque Prompted Proposal
"The aim is to meet the desire not to beautify the dark aspects of the city's history by removing stones of contention from public space. At the same time, a responsible approach to history should be ensured, and space for reflection and discussion should be maintained," it says.
The discussion about the Stalin memorial plaque highlights the challenges of dealing with historical memorabilia that touch on controversial aspects of history. "The central question is how to engage responsibly with the past without denying historical responsibility, but also meeting the needs of today's society."
Cultural City Councillor to Clarify Options
In light of the debate about the plaque, it seems necessary to go beyond dialogue and examine concrete measures for its removal, as emphasized. Formally, Cultural City Councillor Veronica Kaup-Hasler (SPÖ) is asked to "clarify further options and possible actions" in this regard.
The FPÖ expressed general satisfaction in a reaction, but was surprised that apparently it is still being examined. In the opinion of club chairman Maximilian Krauss, this is not necessary. "This memorial plaque to a mass murderer must be removed immediately, despite much-quoted 'historical contextualization'," he stated.
(APA/Red)
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