Green solidarity

Green federal congress starts in Graz

On the second anniversary of the Russian invasion, Werner Kogler expresses his solidarity with Ukraine.

(Bild: APA/ERWIN SCHERIAU)

The Greens gathered in Graz on Saturday at a national congress under the motto "With you for the climate and Europe" to officially elect 23-year-old environmental activist Lena Schilling as their lead candidate for the EU elections on June 9. The party leaders - above all the party leader Werner Kogler, who was wearing a Ukrainian flag - and Schilling received a standing ovation from the 250 or so delegates present at the Graz exhibition center.

The Deputy Mayor of Graz, Judith Schwentner, began by promoting Green participation in government in the Styrian capital, including the construction of new streetcar lines and the planting of trees.

Sandra Krautwaschl, state spokesperson for the Styrian Green Party, which has a state election to beat in the fall, listed Green achievements from the federal government and declared that she also wanted to offer a counter-model to the "old thinking" of the other parties in Styria.

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"A year full of opportunities"
It is a "year full of opportunities", there is only one party that is credibly committed to a good climate in all areas, and that is the Greens. Today we have the chance to put "a wonderful, passionate and credible fighter for a good climate in all its facets" at the top of the list for the EU elections, she campaigned for Schilling.

Next on the agenda was a speech by Federal Spokesperson and Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler, who made a gesture of solidarity on the occasion of the second anniversary of the Russian invasion and took to the stage with a Ukraine flag. After the two lead motions - one on "climate happiness", the other against right-wing extremists who threaten democracy and European unification - were discussed, Schilling presented herself to the delegates. After her speech, a hearing was scheduled, followed by her election.

Johannes Rauch, Alma Zadic, Leonore Gewessler and Graz Deputy Mayor Judith Schwentner during the federal congress of "The Greens"

(Bild: APA/ERWIN SCHERIAU)

Club leader Sigrid Maurer is on crutches after an accident on the underground.

(Bild: APA/ERWIN SCHERIAU)

The aim is to retain seats
The afternoon is dedicated to list positions two to six. EU veteran Thomas Waitz is aiming for second place on the list, but there are no other well-known names among the twelve candidates running for the other places.

The Greens want to retain their three seats in the EU elections. In 2019, they achieved 14.08% of the vote. Sarah Wiener, a prominent newcomer in the last election, will not be standing again, as will long-standing MEP Monika Vana. Kogler, the Green EU driving force in 2019, is focusing entirely on the National Council elections in the fall this time.