Side blow to the FPÖ?

Nehammer: “Don’t live from problems, solve them”

Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) at the end of the election campaign(Bild: APA/Helmut Fohringer)

Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) expressed his optimism at the end of the election campaign on Friday morning that his party will win the National Council elections. Until then, "every hour, every minute" will be used. The ÖVP does not live from problems, it solves them, he said.

The party works with confidence, stands for "middle-of-the-road politics", against radicalism and for "structure instead of chaos". In his speech at the end of the election campaign, Nehammer distanced himself from the FPÖ and in particular its party leader Herbert Kickl. Votes for small parties would entail a risk that the latter would win.

Nehammer swears in ÖVP: "A lot is at stake"
The election campaign has gained momentum and the work of persuasion is still ongoing. There is a lot at stake. He himself had had many encounters and "often humanly touching conversations", said Nehammer. In this context, the Federal Chancellor also referred to the "caesura of the floods" during the election campaign. Many people were still suffering from the consequences and the ÖVP was naturally there for them in these difficult times. 

In Lower Austria, ten million euros in aid had already been paid out and the disaster fund had also been increased. Nehammer distanced himself from "fear-mongering", which he had accused FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl of in the past.

From the left: Nehammer and ÖVP Secretary General Christian Stocker(Bild: APA/Helmut Fohringer)

Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer on Friday(Bild: APA/Helmut Fohringer)

Stocker: "Comparison makes you safe"
General Secretary Christian Stocker also spoke of a "landmark decision". It had been "intensive weeks". However, discussions had shown that approval of party leader Nehammer had increased. The party's Austria plan has been well received. A comparison with other parties makes it clear that the ÖVP has the best offer in terms of content and the best personnel. For example, it appeals to people for whom family and performance are important.

"Confidence and opportunities should be at the forefront, and not self-appointed people's chancellors leading this country in a completely different direction," Stocker also took a swipe at the FPÖ.

After Stocker, the head of the election campaign looked back on the past few weeks. She announced final distribution campaigns in Vienna (e.g. in Josefstadt) and promised that the team would not sit back until Sunday. "We can still sleep on Monday." For the time being, it is important to convince undecided voters and win the election.