First interview

Johannes Anzengruber: “Shivers down the spine”

Innsbruck's new mayor Johannes Anzengruber in conversation with "Krone" editor Nadine Isser.(Bild: Birbaumer Christof)

Johannes Anzengruber, former alpine innkeeper and ex-ÖVP member, is the newly elected mayor of the Tyrolean capital. He is delighted about his victory in the run-off election against incumbent Georg Willi (Greens), but he does not yet have a coalition of his choice in mind, he said in his first "Krone" interview. The first exploratory talks will start on Monday.

"Krone": Did you expect this result, are you surprised?
Johannes Anzengruber: Well, when I saw the figures - it sent a shiver down my spine. It's a strong sign. Above all, it's a sign from all the people of Innsbruck who have placed their trust in me and my entire team. That's great and gives me strength for the negotiations, for the coalition talks and for the future. Also for the fact that my team and I want to put people first.

Doyou already have a coalition in mind?
No. We will start talks immediately on Monday - depending on the strength and with all the parliamentary groups represented in the municipal council. I'm already looking forward to that. Everyone who is prepared to put their heart and soul into their work and show ambition and commitment, and who is also ready to put factual politics first for Innsbruck, will certainly be involved.

Challenger Anzengruber (left) won the Innsbruck mayoral seat. Georg Willi from the Green Party was defeated by the former ÖVP candidate in the run-off.(Bild: Christof Birbaumer)

What would be your ideal coalition?
A stable coalition is important to me and that we get things done. That we live by values such as respect, appreciation and humanity and set a good example and show the population how to work together.

What is the first thing on the political agenda?
To hold talks, to see how we can reach a coalition agreement and how we can implement projects over the next six years and beyond.

Sitting around a table together a lot more, talking and communicating a lot more, trusting each other a lot more.

Johannes Anzengruber auf die Frage, was er anders machen wird.

Is there anything you want to do differently to your predecessor?
Sitting around the table together much more, talking and communicating much more, trusting each other much more.

It has now come to light that two people from your list have received an unusually high number of preferential votes.Doesthat worry you?
Well, I had even more in 2018.

Areyou relaxed about the WKStA's investigations against you?
Yes, I'm glad that they're investigating and I'm sure they'll do a clean job. I am still of the opinion that I have done nothing wrong and no one has been harmed.

What would be your motto for the next legislative period?
Innsbruck forwards!