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SJ Vorarlberg finds Babler not left-wing enough

The SJ Vorarlberg will not vote for Andreas Babler.(Bild: APA/Georg Hochmuth)

The Socialist Youth (SJ) Vorarlberg issued an election recommendation for the Austrian Communist Party (KPÖ) on Wednesday ahead of the National Council elections. The SPÖ-affiliated youth organization is "aware" that they are "stirring up a lot of dust" with this campaign. Now the SPÖ Vorarlberg is threatening consequences ...

The regional board of the red youth organization has unanimously decided to vote for the KPÖ, according to a press release: "Instead of resolutely organizing the fight against the social attacks, the SPÖ prefers to work on preparing a possible coalition with the ÖVP."

With communists against capitalism
The SJ Vorarlberg also criticized racist agitation and possible cuts to pensions, unemployment benefits, education and healthcare, saying: "This is not worthy of a workers' party." A left-wing opposition is needed in the National Council.

"The KPÖ is the better choice this time, and we want to do our part to ensure that it passes the four percent hurdle." According to the SJ, a break with capitalism is needed and banks and large industrial companies should be nationalized.

SJ Vorarlberg: Vote KPÖ, but ...
Chairwoman Sonja Kopf emphasized, however, that the SJ Vorarlberg does not share all the views of the KPÖ: It does not show solidarity with the Palestinians. The Vorarlberg SJ had caused outrage in October 2023 with a one-sided social media post calling for "the defense of Gaza".

Kopf and regional secretary Alexander Rauter were reprimanded by the regional SPÖ. The SJ is not an official part of the SPÖ, but is involved in its committees.

SPÖ announces party exclusions
The SPÖ Vorarlberg responded promptly. "Anyone who calls on people to vote for another party must be excluded," it announced. All members of the SJ who were involved in this unanimous decision were affected.

The Socialist Youth Austria also clearly distanced itself from the Vorarlberg organization's election recommendation. "This is not the first time that the statements of the SJ Vorarlberg have clearly and diametrically opposed the position of the Socialist Youth Austria. Our focus is clearly on bringing about political change together with Andreas Babler, the SPÖ and countless young people throughout the country," she said in a statement. The board of the Socialist Youth Austria will discuss the consequences.