Many see her as perhaps the most politically active young woman in Austria: In June, Lena Schilling will probably enter the race as the Green top candidate for a seat in the European Parliament – assuming she is confirmed at the Green Federal Congress at the end of February. However, this is purely a formality. Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler, who presents a career changer in the 23-year-old, had to search for a long time for a suitable candidate. He had no luck within the party.
On Monday evening, Schilling answered Armin Wolf’s questions in ZiB2. Anyone who expected evasive answers because of their age was disabused. Although she has no experience as a representative for the position of top candidate, she showed that she should not misjudge her opponents as a political novice.
Political commitment with all honor, but why go into an election as the top candidate, Wolf asked himself. She is a political person and stands up for her ideals, sometimes even unconditionally if necessary. The climate movement in particular has shown that protest is needed because issues are time-sensitive. “At the same time, we are too slow, which is why I’m now going to where the decisions are made,” said Schilling. After all, young people could also be at the forefront and advocate for their visions. In Schilling’s case, specifically for a more democratic, climate-just and feminist Europe. She thinks the Greens’ ability to do this at EU level is “pretty cool” – especially since she has sharply criticized the party so far.
“Sometimes perspectives change”
Nobody in the Fridays for Future movement would go to the Greens anymore because they would no longer trust them to keep what they had promised, Wolf recalled Schilling’s words from last year. “Yes, that’s true. And at the same time, sometimes perspectives change.” What is so fundamentally different other than the year? “I hadn’t seen this perspective until then. To be honest, it only came about in the last few months.”
Schilling also responded coolly to Wolf’s question about how much she viewed her running against “four older men from the party establishment” as a PR measure in times of disenchantment with politics and politicians: “It’s of course a huge challenge. But I think I am “I’ve proven that I’m definitely critical and have my own opinion.” At a time when a shift to the right can be seen across Europe, this is exactly the right moment to take action. “I don’t think you can call it a PR measure.”
She also responded directly to the question about her book “Radikale Wende”, in which she criticized professional politicians and described elections as toothless that did not promote democracy. How does this relate to your current candidacy? “My conclusion at the end of the book is that we have to organize ourselves into parties and grassroots democratic movements. I’m not suddenly going to be a professional politician tomorrow. I’m just as committed. I’m just doing it now where there are other levers and I believe it takes both.”
Wolf wasn’t satisfied with that: “Of course you’ll be a professional politician from June 10th.” The Greens’ first place will almost certainly end up in parliament. She would also be entitled to the salary as a member of parliament – almost 8,000 euros net due to tax advantages – which she criticized in her book as being too much. Schilling said she had definitely thought about whether, like many other politicians, she would give up part of her salary. For politics to be credible, people in politics must be aware of what the realities of life are like. “The big question is: When do you lose the reality of life and when don’t you? Up until now I’ve worked as a dance teacher and I’ve done well.”
“I will also be an activist”
She answered Wolf’s very sensitive question about whether, as a politician, she would continue to take part in protests and blockades: “I will definitely take part in protests.” However, as far as the blockades are concerned, time will tell. But shouldn’t an elected politician abide by all laws? Many of the blockades were not legal. “Of course. This potential is what’s exciting about it. What do you have to do, what can you do as a parliamentarian and what does that mean for democracy? I won’t take part in any blockade tomorrow, we can hold on to that. But I will also be an activist.”
Schilling then tried to avoid which vote she would have voted differently at the EU level in recent months. She “can’t say it in general terms.” “Then say it specifically,” Wolf countered. She prefers not to talk about the past; there will be some very important laws in the future. Schilling also reacted cautiously to questions about the UN resolution on the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Would you be in favor of signing? “I don’t want to presume to make this decision now.” Not specific enough for Wolf. Schilling: Abstention “would have been more my position.”
Clear position on the FPÖ
When asked about her position on the FPÖ, Schilling was once again unequivocal. Wolf wanted to know whether she classified the FPÖ as right-wing extremist. “For a party that is willing to have citizens deported who have not committed any wrongdoing, I think the definition can definitely be discussed.” But she doesn’t think a discussion like in Germany, where there is intense talk about banning the AfD and restricting the fundamental rights of individual MPs, is necessary. “We have an active civil society that we also need, that stands up, that is courageous, that is loud.”
Schilling didn’t really want to answer what election result she was expecting: she wanted the support of as many people as possible. “You’re not a politician yet, but that was a real politician’s answer,” countered Wolf. Schilling concluded specifically: “We can agree that keeping the three mandates that currently exist would be great.” But still youthful and direct.
Author
Eva Hoffmann
Editor
Eva Hoffmann
