"Krone" commentary

Graz plays in the same league as Havana

(Bild: Krone KREATIV)

"Vienna is different" - for years, the Austrian capital used this slogan without it becoming any truer. If it really applies anywhere, then much more so here in Styria. "Graz is different" - that's true. Different and unique. And our provincial capital will remain so, as we received confirmation yesterday.

Because the danger, the opportunity, the possibility, the hope (depending on your point of view) that the fourth largest city in Austria will fall into communist hands after the second largest has been averted or vanished (also depending on your point of view) since late afternoon on Sunday.

The people of Salzburg ultimately opted for a Social Democrat after all. From a Styrian perspective, it is absolutely remarkable that the SPÖ can survive alongside a strong KPÖ. While the Graz SPÖ melted into an insignificant splinter party alongside the successful Communists.

Graz now remains the only communist-governed city not only in Austria but, as far as is known, in the whole of Western Europe. They no longer call themselves that in Eastern Europe either, although in some regions this does not mean that they do not behave like old-school communists.

And what else? That leaves only the Cuban capital Havana, which is governed by a - genuine! - communist. Although this city, too, is considered unique. In the same league as her: an honor, right?