After text proposal:

State government rules out changing the anthem

Against the new anthem text: Manuela Khom and Mario Kunasek.(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz)

After the dispute with Slovenia: Do we need a new text for the Styrian national anthem? Many "Krone" readers like the White Stars' suggestion, but the state's leadership has also come up against granite.

The "Krone" story about the new text proposal for the Styrian national anthem triggered many reactions. As reported, the white-green music greats Walter and Werner Reischl from the legendary White Stars have rewritten the controversial lyrics of the Dachstein song, which has led to a serious diplomatic dispute with Slovenia in recent weeks.

Instead of "Wendenland am Bett der Sav'", as in the original, their version reads "ins Thermenland schau' ich hinein", and instead of "Rebenland im Tal der Drav'" it reads "Rebenland voll gold'nem Wein".

"Change not planned"
According to many reader and user reactions, the Styrians could certainly live with this adaptation. However, there is little sympathy from the political decision-makers. "A change to the national anthem is not planned in the government program," says the office of Governor Mario Kunasek (FPÖ).

The answer from his deputy Manuela Khom (ÖVP) is almost identical: "An adaptation is not planned in this legislative period." Of course, anchoring the anthem in the state constitution, as envisaged in the coalition program, can also be ruled out - this requires a two-thirds majority in parliament. However, the opposition will not give its consent.