Local leader in conversation

“We discuss everything, then it goes to the landlord”

As mayor, Tanja Kreer manages 160 municipal employees in Straßwalchen, which has a population of 8100.(Bild: Tschepp Markus)

Tanja Kreer enjoyed a brilliant re-election in Straßwalchen and won an SPÖ majority. The local leader told the "Krone" how important this is for her and what her recipe for success is.

She achieved what is probably the most significant election success among SPÖ mayors in Salzburg. Tanja Kreer (43) was confirmed as mayor of Straßwalchen with 79 percent (plus 40 percentage points). The black-bourgeois dominated municipal council also turned "red" on March 10. In this interview, Kreer explains how her team works, why she always "sleeps in" and how she and her husband divide up childcare duties.

"Krone": Congratulations on your re-election, Ms. Kreer. Have you digested the election evening well?
Tanja Kreer: Thank you. The morning after the election party, I went straight to the Schober with my husband. I needed some fresh air, it's all very exciting. We hadn't expected so many mandates. I'm really pleased that I can continue my work and continue to work with everyone.

On election night, Tanja Kreer celebrated with her team and her family.(Bild: Scharinger Daniel)

What have you and your party done right over the past five years?
People have seen that I put my heart and soul into being mayor. I want to work positively and not argue. We discuss things and then go to the pub together. We are a very cohesive team and have done a good job. Councillor Sebastian Leitl set up the cultural association and was very active in sport. Under Clemens Hofbauer's chairmanship, many social issues were heard in the social committee.

Interpersonal matters were dealt with confidentially. We tried to find solutions. People also saw how present we were at events. Our projects developed positively, from the extension of the elementary school to other projects and the renovation of the retirement home. Everything stayed on budget, which is a special feature.

What was the biggest setback during this term of office?
The coronavirus period was very difficult for me. Experienced colleagues were also unable to help. Decisions had to be made within hours. I struggled to make sure I was doing everything right.

During the coronavirus period, decisions had to be made within hours. I had to fight with myself to make sure I was doing everything right.

Tanja Kreer über die harten Seiten der Politik während der vergangenen fünf Jahre

Your daughter is eight and your son is 13. How does your husband support you?
Would you ask a mayor the same question? At the beginning of the week, we discuss who has evening appointments and who is there for our children and when.

How many evenings do you work?
I'm out and about four to five evenings a week. The children are happy when I say that I don't have an evening appointment today. The positive thing is that I can organize my time freely. I can help our daughter with her homework or go to the doctor. If my husband wasn't behind me a thousand percent, I wouldn't be able to do the job. I have to solve a lot of problems in the community. At home, I need to be able to sail into a safe harbor without arguments. Men experience that too, but they don't talk about it.

I have to solve problems in the community. I have to be able to enter a safe harbor at home. Men experience this too, but they don't talk about it.

Tanja Kreer über Arbeit, Familie und den Ausgleich, den sie bei ihrem Mann findet

Do women do politics differently to men?
Maybe a woman thinks three times. I often say: "I'm not making decisions now. Give me the famous night to sleep on it." We women also have a different approach to childcare in the community because we are affected more than men.

Which project isat the top ofyour list forthe new term of office?
A new, barrier-free municipal office is very important for Straßwalchen. It may be financially difficult, but we absolutely need it.

Looking back, what would you do differently?
I've been working a seven-day week for five years because I've spent an incredible amount of time with clubs and organizations. To strengthen myself and stay fit for the future, I need to focus on my family again and look after myself. The good election result makes it easier for me now because we have gained a deputy mayor and have more elected representatives.

Thank you for the interview.