At the last meeting

Preuner criticizes citizen surveys at farewell

(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

In last municipal council meeting, mayor sees pitfalls of direct democracy: "Active minority determines the majority."

Mayor Harald Preuner made his last appearance in the municipal council on Wednesday. The city's highest political body held its last meeting in its old composition. The ÖVP politician used his farewell to say some fundamental words about direct democracy. Citizen surveys have become very fashionable. "They have the great advantage that you can quickly oppose something," said Preuner.

"The result is always the same: An active but small minority decides over a silent majority. And politicians stand idly by and watch." He fears something similar for the major S-Link project. Before the binding consultation with the state, he calls for discussions between citizens and experts, not politicians. "We all have a preconceived opinion and in reality have no idea what is happening," says Preuner.