To all SPÖ members

Zeiler in a Letter: “We Must Change”

Gerhard Zeiler has addressed the Social Democrats in Austria in a letter.(Bild: Eva Manhart)

Gerhard Zeiler wants to lead the SPÖ. Now Andreas Babler’s challenger is addressing the members directly. In a letter, the media executive warns: “The SPÖ is on its way to becoming irrelevant in federal politics.”

“You were probably surprised,” Gerhard Zeiler begins his open letter to SPÖ members, which he published on Friday on his new website. After announcing his bid for the SPÖ chairmanship in the “Krone,” he is now addressing his fellow party members directly. His message to the rank and file: “If we don’t do it (bring about change in the SPÖ—editor’s note) now, it will be too late, and we will no longer be able to catch up with the others’ lead.” Many conversations over the past few weeks have reinforced his belief: The “triumphal march of the right” can be stopped. But only if social democracy changes. The party must “lead from the center. That is why I want to become party chairman.”

Austria today needs intellect, heart, and courage for the new era.

lautet ein Slogan auf Gerhard Zeilers Website.

“I am aware that you are tired of the constant leadership debates within the party and the disputes among some top officials,” writes Zeiler. The media executive explains his initiative, however: “But this discussion and decision must take place now, because ‘business as usual’ would mean that we would truly degenerate into a minor party.” For state elections, the federal party would be “no tailwind—on the contrary,” says the 71-year-old.

Because he wants to bring the party back to the forefront, Zeiler asks for support: “Please support my path toward renewing our party, whether that path involves a party convention or a vote by the members,” and promises that he will do everything in his power to “restore unity and solidarity among all factions of the SPÖ.”

Six-Point Plan:
Zeiler also explains what this means in practical terms. The SPÖ must once again become the party of social mobility. Public schools and healthcare should function without families having to pay extra. He draws a clear line when it comes to government support. Austria must provide a safety net for those who have fallen on hard times through no fault of their own or who are unable to work. “But certainly not those who do not want to work. We can no longer afford that—and we must not allow it.” Zeiler also takes a hard line on the issue of security. Anyone who flouts the law must expect “severe consequences”—regardless of citizenship. Women should not have to be afraid to walk the streets at night. He places the economic priority on businesses: less bureaucracy, reduced burdens, and incentives for investment. Without a strong economy, social security cannot be guaranteed.

I’ve seen a lot of the world, and I can say with the deepest conviction: Austria is the best country in the world.

ist auf der Website zu lesen

Sunday’s crisis summit will be a showdown
This takes the leadership debate into the next round. Following Zeiler’s public push, Babler had made it clear that he intends to remain party leader. Voluntary resignation is not an option for him. The timing is certainly intriguing: On Sunday, Babler will meet with the leaders of the regional organizations. The letter thus reaches the rank-and-file just before the next discussion on the party’s future.