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 announcement could be made at short notice - either on Thursday or Friday. None of this is confirmed as of yet. Mahrer himself seemed to be attempting a defense of his position on Thursday.

ÖVP expert and communication specialist Heidi Glück saw no chance for Mahrer to retain his position on ORF III, stating that the die has been cast. The strong voice that companies need "no longer exists with him." If he stays, Mahrer will become a "lame duck" as the head of the important social partner. This term refers to people in high political positions whose power base has diminished. Necessary reforms can no longer be implemented by Mahrer.

Mahrer remains tight-lipped

"No comment," was also the response from a Mahrer spokesperson to the 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 based on her professional background 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 resume, 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."

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

Another possible (interim) candidate is WKÖ Vice President Martha Schultz. The Tyrolean entrepreneur is also ready, according to ORF.

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 alliance member and former second president of the National Council could bring calm to the Federal Chamber. However, more than an interim candidate Kopf would probably not be, if only because of his age - and he was never an entrepreneur, as some reports also suggest is very much desired, as a "seasoned entrepreneur" is needed. Kopf initially did not want 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 presidiums 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 been achieved.

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), which calls 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 role and should "make way for a new beginning in Tyrol as well," said the Tyrolean club chairman on Thursday via a statement.

Greens Demand More Efficiency and "Reform Presidency"

Elisabeth Götze, economic spokesperson for the Greens, reiterated via a statement that now is the right time to tackle fundamental, long-overdue reforms in the Economic Chambers. "After years of stagnation, we finally need the long-needed reorganization of the Economic Chambers. Now is the time for streamlining structures, more efficiency in processes, service orientation, cost transparency, and above all a reform presidency." What the current crisis clearly shows us: It cannot be that such an important position is filled with a figurehead. The leadership of such a crucial institution requires the full attention of a future president. Multi-office holders are out of place here."

(APA/Red)

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