"We Want to Save Our Vienna": Strache Aims for Entry into the State Parliament
Before the "Team HC Strache - Alliance for Austria" can run for election, however, it must collect declarations of support. Strache criticises the "extremely high hurdles" involved.
Vienna Election with Strache?
Already in 2020, Team HC had run for election, but failed to enter the state parliament, although it does have some district councillors. To run at the municipal level on April 27, 100 signatures are required in each of the 17 constituencies. Strache is bothered, among other things, by the fact that the declarations must be submitted in person. From next week, teams will be positioned at all district offices to facilitate support. "Together with the people of Vienna, we will try to overcome this hurdle," said the former Vice-Chancellor.
Strache referred to the decision to bring forward the election date as a "blow". Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) would thus be "taking the bull by the horns", the real reason being the high city debt. Ludwig's behaviour shows that he is "afraid" of small parties and new lists. Strache also detected "a bit of nervousness" in the city's chief. He no longer wanted to "just watch" politics, it needed "someone like us", said Strache: "We want to save our Vienna".
"A True Viennese Original"
Team HC sees problems in addition to the debt, for example in the education sector, immigration and social housing. The situation in Vienna's kindergartens is "catastrophic" for Strache. The city has too high an attraction for immigrants. They have a "duty to integrate", although there are "many decent" among them, said Strache. The city's fees are as high as the crime rate. Overall, "a lot is going wrong".
Strache described himself as a "true Viennese original". He has "reflected a lot" in the last five years, but the city government has been inactive: "Everything has gotten worse." Not so with him: He has experienced a lot, has become "older, more mature and better", said Strache. Someone with his experience is needed to counteract the "red misdevelopments". In the coming weeks, he will be on the road a lot, already receiving a lot of support. Therefore, Strache is "hopeful" about running for election.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.