Mahrer remains reserved despite succession speculations

After Harald Mahrer, as President of the Chamber of Commerce, was confronted with open calls for resignation from significant party and chamber colleagues following recent known events, it was initially unclear on Thursday how things would proceed. "No comment," was the response to an APA inquiry about whether Mahrer would respond to the demands or make a statement. Meanwhile, the wheel of succession speculation began to spin rapidly.

ÖVP Insiders Speak of Mahrer's Resignation

Newspapers quoted ÖVP insiders on Thursday, suggesting that Mahrer is on the verge of resigning. A corresponding statement could be made at short notice if necessary - that is, on Thursday or Friday. None of this is confirmed as of yet. Mahrer himself seemed to be attempting a defensive battle for his position on Thursday.

Mahrer Remains Tight-Lipped

"No comment," said a Mahrer spokesperson in response to an APA question about whether the presidency of the Federal Chamber of Commerce would follow the step taken by the presidency of the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce. This chamber is temporarily suspending the highly controversial increases in their salaries - until an audit by the Court of Auditors is completed.

Heated Discussion About Succession

Meanwhile, the wheel of succession speculation began to spin rapidly. A strong candidate from a professional career perspective could be the State Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Elisabeth Zehetner (ÖVP). She is very familiar with the Chamber of Commerce. She was the federal managing director of the WKÖ organization Women in Business, led the chamber's communication management. She was also the head of the entire WKÖ office for Young Business, Start-up Service, Women in Business, and One-Person Enterprises - and managing director of the Start-up Service.

However, when asked by APA whether she would not be a suitable candidate for the position of chamber head due to her career, Zehetner declined and defended Mahrer, who should remain in his position: "I have known Harald Mahrer for many years and appreciate him for his integrity and drive. He has accepted the criticism, quickly taken consequences, and promised reforms. As someone familiar with the Chamber of Commerce, I know the high value this organization has for our companies and the location. I am convinced that Harald Mahrer has the ability to convey this value."

As possible successors for Mahrer, the chamber heads in Tyrol and Upper Austria, Barbara Thaler and Doris Hummer (both of course from the ÖVP Economic Association), are being considered. However, some observers believe they are out of the running because they belong to the regional presidencies that would allow themselves excessively high salary increases. The two women are also said to lack support from other regions.

ÖVP Veteran as Temporary Successor?

There is also speculation about a return of the ÖVP veteran Karlheinz Kopf to Vienna. After his political federal career, at the end of which he was, among other things, Secretary General of the Federal Economic Chamber, he became President of the State Economic Chamber in Vorarlberg. The 68-year-old economic association member and former second president of the National Council could bring calm to the Federal Chamber. However, more than a transitional candidate Kopf would probably not be, if only because of his age - and he was never an entrepreneur, as it is reportedly very much desired to have a "seasoned entrepreneur." Kopf initially declined to comment to APA.

Turbulent Times for Harald Mahrer

Mahrer worked in the PR sector and stumbled significantly due to a PR disaster surrounding the salary increases in the presidencies and for the WKÖ staff, which were significantly above inflation, as well as the accompanying failed communication. As President of the National Bank, he has already stepped down, but the hoped-for calm has not materialized.

Kickl for a "Total Reorganization" of the WKÖ, Support from Tyrol

FPÖ leader and club chairman Herbert Kickl advocated for a "total reorganization" of the Economic Chamber. At a press conference on Thursday, he announced an upcoming petition from the Freedom Economy (FW), calling for an end to mandatory WKÖ membership and a "breaking up of power structures" in the chamber. If the necessity of such a reorganization is not recognized in the WKÖ, then "there is no helping the gentlemen," said Kickl.

The Tyrolean state party chairman of the Freedom Party, Markus Abwerzger, has called for the resignation of the Tyrolean chamber president Barbara Thaler (ÖVP) in the debate over salary increases in the Economic Chamber. She is "untenable" in her position and should "make way for a new beginning in Tyrol as well," said the Tyrolean club chairman on Thursday via a press release.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.