At the SPÖ party conference

City councillor: “You always work a lot as a politician”

Andreas Babler and Michael Ludwig at the party conference in Vienna.(Bild: Zwefo)

Family reunification, security, a lot of Europe, demonstrative cohesion and non-wage labor costs - what was important at the Vienna SPÖ party conference. And, above all, how the comrades feel about work.

It is said that there have already been SPÖ provincial party conferences where some comrades left around midday to show solidarity with the beer garden in the April sun. Yesterday was not one of them. Firstly, because the SPÖ officially kicked off the election campaign on Saturday - and secondly, because it was raining like in the fall.

Vienna's mayor Michael Ludwig believes the federal government has a duty.(Bild: Zwefo)

Security, family immigration
The speech marathon was opened by Mayor Michael Ludwig. As reported, his speech focused on the following topics: Family immigration of Syrians, for which he called for more resources. Security and approval of the weapons ban ("Nobody cuts their fingernails with a machete"). He reaffirmed his "no to the reduction in ancillary wage costs", spoke about protection against violence, climate - and while he was on the subject of family reunification: "full solidarity with the federal SPÖ".

A fair Europe
This was followed by the Europe block, in which Andreas Schieder & Co. spoke about a "social and fair Europe". Curtain down - curtain up for Andreas Babler, who was one thing above all: loud. Lots of criticism of the federal government, a plea for a reduction in working hours, the fight against global warming and inflation. His conclusion: "We are back! We are winning elections again."

The former mayor of Vienna, Michael Häupl (right)(Bild: Zwefo)

Reducing working hours. A major topic at the national party conference, which was also due to this motion: fewer working hours, six weeks' vacation, the right not to be reachable in your free time, etc.

There was also time for knitting.(Bild: Zwefo)

So, what do the comrades think about hacking?
Former mayor Michael Häupl: "Reductions are always interesting when productivity increases to such an extent that the goals can be achieved with less work for the individual." He himself now has a 40-hour week.

City Councillor for Health Peter Hacker (14-hour working day): "It's a question of the fair distribution of revenue from business enterprises. It can't be right that the top floors get super bonuses for their employees working long hours."

City Councillor for Personnel Jürgen Czernohorszky (55-hour week): "As a politician, you always work a lot. How much you want to work yourself is up to you. We want to create the right conditions so that people don't burn out."

Inflation does not stop at comrades either
Inflation in Austria was also a major topic at the SPÖ's national party conference. Various speakers criticized the federal government in particular for its failure to combat high prices.

Comrades were able to see for themselves just how expensive life has become in the canteen outside the conference hall. Those who were hungry or thirsty had to open their wallets particularly wide.

They had to open their wallets wide for food and drink. There was no SPÖ bonus for the comrades at the party conference.(Bild: Zwefo)

A Kornweckerl for five euros
The SPÖ supporters got away cheapest with a Kornweckerl for 5.10 euros. Those who wanted a bit of ham and cheese in a Kornspitz had to fork out 5.40 euros.

(Bild: Zwefo)

The big earners among the Reds could help themselves to the salads: A crisp Caesar salad came in at 8.20 euros. For desserts, the Sachertorte - of a manageable size - cost 4.70 euros.

Those who needed to save money could probably just suck on the packet of mustard: a bargain at 1.10 euros.