SP-Babler rows back at Mateschitz: "Only a side issue"

2023-09-05 18:02:00

When it comes to central questions of content, they are “very close,” he emphasized at an appointment as part of his “comeback tour” on Tuesday in Pinkafeld (district of Oberwart). Baber visited the SOS Children’s Village there. The fact that he was not received by any state politician in Burgenland did not offend him, he told journalists.

Burgenland’s state party leader, Hans Peter Doskozil, said at the weekend that “internal party dynamics” would catch up with Babler. In addition, Babeler stated that there was a discussion about content, but he did not want to interpret “half sentences”. The Social Democracy is experiencing a “strong time” and there is a lively influx of members and events.

Doskozil continues to advocate the minimum wage of 2,000 euros net, while Babler advocates the 32-hour week – although this should “not happen overnight” but should involve the social partners. In view of the work intensity, the desire for a reduction in working hours comes from nursing in particular. The aim should be higher wages, and he doesn’t see any contradiction in the party here: “You can discuss how to get higher wages.” In any case, he has great confidence in the union.

Babler described the discussion about the deceased entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz as a “political side issue”: “It’s not about people. (Editor’s note: Babler had said the following in a broadcast in mid-July: “Had Mark Mateschitz paid inheritance tax, that would have can bring the state several billion euros.”) The SPÖ outlines what fair tax policy looks like.” The aim is the best health care, care and education – “We all agree on that.” A central demand is therefore more justice. As far as Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) is concerned to expand childcare, Babler sees it as a “question of credibility” because the ÖVP has “negated” the issue for 35 years.

Unlike tour stops in other federal states, Babler in Burgenland was not received by state politicians, in Pinkafeld not even by SPÖ mayor Kurt Maczek. He did not show himself offended by this, he referred to an appointment abroad for Doskozil and did not want to comment further.