Niko Swatek (Neos):

“You only need a little to be happy”

A short breather from a park bench. The Styrian Neos leader talks about the many challenges of the current phase of life.(Bild: Juergen Fuchs)

The top candidates for the Styrian state elections on November 29 - in person: Niko Swatek (33) relaxes best on his racing bike. He found a nursery place for his son Emil surprisingly easily. The head of the Styrian Neos came into politics via a botched physics test at Graz University of Technology.

Styrian Neos leader, newlywed husband, father of a young son. Finding an appointment with Niko Swatek is not easy. In the end, the conversation takes place in the evening on a bench in Graz's city park. Afterwards, the 30-year-old heads south on his racing bike. He wants to cover a few more kilometers today, "I hardly get around to it," he says.