For some people emotions go high ahead of elections. For many people emotions go high right after the election day. This was to be observed during an event shortly after the Austrian Parliament’s election, led by Siobhan Geets.
The talk between long-standing colleagues from different political parties such as Andreas Schieder and Thomas Waitz, as well as one newly elected Member, Helmut Brandstätter, went very well in terms of respect and orientation alongside the challanges ahead for Austria and Europe. Among the participants emotions went high. But I’m happy to deal with that, since it’s part of our freedom of opinion and its expression. Not each word spoken was respectful. But as long as we talk to each other, we strenghthen democracy. Thanks to ÖGFE (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Europapolitik) for organising the event. Here you can find pics of it (Credit: Europa Club Wien):
A bit later (last week) and a bit less emotional – but about the very same topic: Austria after the elections… – a talk with Andreas Schieder, Barbara Tóth and Raimund Löw took place for Falter Radio. Here you can find the respective link: https://www.falter.at/falter/radio/670fa4a995a9a20475866cd6/regierungsbildung-doch-wieder-eine-grosse-koalition-1236