Political
Despite Christian Kern‘s decision to refrain from returning as party leader, there is still disunity in the SPÖ. While some in Upper Austria support Andreas Babler, others see him as having some catching up to do. Discussions about the party’s direction continue.
Former Chancellor Christian Kern has ended his ambitions to return as federal party leader. Nevertheless, the party base in Upper Austria remains divided.
Erich Rippl, former state parliament member and SPÖ mayor of Lengau, sees Andreas Babler as having some catching up to do. “It seems to me that Andreas Babler is not as well received by people as they would have hoped, so that there is a certain plus behind him. The SPÖ has been losing votes and trust for years now.” Nevertheless, Babler must be supported because he will apparently be the only candidate in the election for federal party leadership in March.
Criticism of internal party debate
Christian Denkmaier, SPÖ mayor of Neumarkt im Mühlkreis, also sees Babler’s image as a “reformer” in a three-party coalition tarnished. According to Denkmaier, there is a match between officials within the SPÖ. Alexander Scheutz, SPÖ mayor in Hallstatt, agrees and demands that too many sensitivities should not be discussed publicly. “I think the path is not now clear for Andreas Babler, but rather the path must finally be cleared for his entire government team from these permanent statements that you hear from the sovereigns, from individuals or others,” said Scheutz.
Demand for unity
Scheutz emphasizes that more unity is needed from those who bear responsibility. He addresses this demand to his party colleagues and hopes for greater support for Babler and his team.
date: 2026-02-13 08:32:00