Important for industry

Pierer on Trump: “Who knows what he will come up with”

Donald Trump is getting a lot of support in the primaries, Stefan Pierer (right) is watching closely.(Bild: REUTERS, Harald Dostal, Krone KREATIV)

After "Super Tuesday" and the withdrawal of an opposing candidate, the probability that Donald Trump will be re-elected president in November is increasing in the USA. As an exporting state, Upper Austria is keeping a close eye on what is happening in America. What does Stefan Pierer, President of the Federation of Austrian Industries, think about a possible Trump comeback?

"Inflation is destroying the middle class, it's destroying everything. It's unbelievable what's happening. He is the worst president in the history of our country," Donald Trump ranted towards US President Joe Biden after he himself won the Republican primaries in 14 out of 15 states and it is becoming increasingly clear that he has a serious chance of being re-elected to the presidential seat in November.

Hugely important for exporting states like Upper Austria
Let's make America great again is the motto of the 77-year-old, who handed over the reins to Biden in January 2021. And now? "It looks like Trump holds all the cards," says Stefan Pierer. The KTM boss and President of the Federation of Austrian Industries knows that US development is hugely important for an export state like Upper Austria.

What if Trump becomes US president again? "Then it certainly won't be any easier for Europe," Pierer is certain, speaking of "major concerns". At the same time, he also says: "We have to be prepared."

US election more important than EU election
When Pierer is asked about the impact of upcoming elections and their significance for the industry, he puts the US elections ahead of the EU elections, followed by the National Council. Trump? There are a lot of question marks: "We've already got him behind us. Who knows what he'll come up with."