Babler in action

Bunny assistant, Easter ambassador and egg pecker

SPÖ federal party leader Andreas Babler at the egg peck with state party leader Mario Leiter.

(Bild: Maurice Shourot)

SPÖ federal party leader Andreas Babler has his hands full during a family visit to Höchst (Vorarlberg). On Saturday, a visit to the Dornbirn market square was on the agenda after the interview with the "Krone". On Sunday, it's time to get up early to hide the eggs. 

Of course, Andreas Baler's parents-in-law will also be hiding eggs and chocolate bunnies on Easter Sunday in Höchst. "I'm someone who is very attached to tradition and am happy when I get to play the Easter bunny," he reveals. Most of the presents will go to his little daughter. "And I hope that someone will think of me too," he says with a hopeful look towards his wife. But Karin Blum just laughs knowingly and is not prepared to reveal what the rabbit will bring her husband at the presentation.

50 shillings and a sweet box from grandma
When he was a child, it was easier for Andreas Babler to guess what presents were on offer. "My grandma always gave her many grandchildren the same thing. Three times a year - at Easter, Christmas and her birthday - she gave them 50 shillings and a sweet box," says the 51-year-old about his grandmother, who has since passed away. A woman who lived in southern Burgenland as a part-time farmer and minimum pensioner. A woman who never had much money, but never missed out on giving her grandchildren presents.

"For my grandma, it always had a lot to do with dignity. And it is precisely this dignity that is now being taken away from the elderly," says the Social Democrat. The cost of housing, energy and food has skyrocketed. "Many things, such as a visit to the indoor swimming pool or a concert, are therefore no longer possible. And grandmas and grandpas are primarily saving money for themselves before they do without presents for their grandchildren."

Andreas Babler in an interview with "Krone".

(Bild: Maurice Shourot)

Andreas Babler with his wife Karin Blum.

(Bild: Maurice Shourot)

Dornbirn's SPÖ city party leader Markus Fäßler was delighted with Andreas Babler's visit.

(Bild: Maurice Shourot)

But this is exactly what is happening because politicians are not intervening in issues such as inflation. "I find that irresponsible. All other countries have at least taken some kind of action against inflation. We have done nothing. We have the highest inflation, huge losses in purchasing power, poor economic forecasts."

His political Easter message is also an election promise. "When I am Chancellor, I will improve conditions in all areas. I will fix the things that no longer work, piece by piece." The federal party leader cites the healthcare sector as one example. Here, it is important to attract the urgently needed hospital and panel doctors. "That's why we need to double the number of university places. Anyone who commits to working in a hospital or as a panel doctor for a few years after graduating should be given priority in the admission process," the Social Democrat demands.

Better conditions instead of shortage management
In his view, people who work, pay taxes and provide services not only have a legal right to adequate healthcare. "I don't want to manage deficiencies, I want to improve conditions. We need affordable living and housing, good educators and people must recognize the need to fight global warming."

Incidentally, Andreas Babler did extremely well in the battle for the title of best egg baker on Dornbirn's market square after the "Krone" interview. The national party leader beat his regional party leader Mario Leiter several times. "The red egg always wins", the Lower Austrian was pleased to note.