SPÖ-Hergovich: "My goal is to end Black-Blue in Lower Austria"

"My goal is to end the black-blue coalition in Lower Austria to implement a policy that puts the interests of families at the center," said the state councilor. At the federal level, Hergovich considers intervention in food prices necessary when it comes to the issue of inflation.

During the coalition talks between ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS at the federal level, Hergovich was repeatedly and increasingly mentioned in the media as a ministerial candidate. There is little sense of regret about the potentially missed opportunity. "I know that many in the ÖVP and FPÖ would have liked to see the 'control state councilor' in Vienna," Hergovich said in retrospect. However: "My place is in Lower Austria." As the top candidate, he wants to position the SPÖ in the next state election (scheduled for early 2028, note) to be able to end the alliance of ÖVP and FPÖ.

According to Hergovich, the focus should no longer be on the interests of the black-blue party families, but rather on "the interests of all other families in Lower Austria." Planned are free, comprehensive, and all-day childcare, a reintroduction of the school start allowance, and an increase in housing subsidies.

"Cutting off a hand" would not be phrased like that today

With a similar set of demands, the 36-year-old had already positioned himself after the 2023 state election during the alliance negotiations between ÖVP and SPÖ. "Before I sign an agreement that does not include all these points, I would cut off my hand" - after this statement by Hergovich in "Zeit," the black-red negotiations were halted. "I would not phrase it like that today," admitted the red state party chairman. "I still stand 100 percent by my fundamental statement that I will not sign a contract that is only disadvantageous for Lower Austria. The same applies to my conviction that I cannot be bought with positions."

Within the state government, there is a "good basis for discussion," emphasized the SPÖ state councilor. Nevertheless, Hergovich continues to demand an apology from Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner to those affected on the issue of part-time work. The ÖVP politician had described forms of part-time work as "antisocial" and "unfair," but showed understanding for part-time employment, for example, in cases of caregiving responsibilities. Hergovich sees caregiving responsibilities in a broader context, which includes grandparents who help with childcare or people who care for their parents. In general, there needs to be a 50 percent overtime surcharge for part-time workers as well. Here, the governor is also called upon as an employer.

Dialogue Needed in Discussion on Emergency Doctor Bases

Recently, discussions have emerged in Lower Austria about the reduction of emergency doctor bases from 32 to 21, as provided for in the "Health Plan 2040+" adopted by the state parliament at the end of March. Which locations are definitively affected has remained open so far. Hergovich supported the newly responsible SPÖ state councilor Eva Prischl. "It is right that she is focusing on dialogue with the rescue organizations here, even if that may take more time."

With regard to the federal level, the SPÖ state party leader is pleased "that there is now a government in office again that is also committed to market and price interventions." The recent initiative by SPÖ Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer for price interventions in food was also supported. It is now important to examine "all available options" and prevent a "hasty decision." On the subject of pensions, Hergovich spoke out against raising the retirement age. Instead, he identified a need for action in "creating sufficient jobs for the 55-plus generation - this also stabilizes our pension system."

The ÖVP reacted with criticism to Hergovich's interview statements. The SPÖ state party leader is "looking for a needle in a haystack," there is "hardly any other region in Europe that has expanded its childcare offerings as massively in recent years as Lower Austria," emphasized Matthias Zauner, state manager of the People's Party, in a statement. Hergovich was also advised to focus on "more substantive work."

(APA/Red)

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