Reached target group

Political scientist on SPÖ leader: “Babler can do beer tents”

(Bild: krone.tv )

The 2024 National Council election campaign is on the home straight. It is striking that some parties are returning to their core issues, while leading candidates such as Andreas Babler (SPÖ) are scoring points with personal appearances, for example in beer tents. However, disasters such as the floods could also be decisive. This is how political scientist Gerda Füricht-Fiegl analyzes it in a krone.tv interview with Jürgen Winterleitner.

In the krone.tv interview with political scientist Gerda Füricht-Fiegl from the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences, it becomes clear how the current strategies of the parties are shaping the election campaign. The return of the SPÖ and the Greens to their core issues is particularly striking. Füricht-Fiegl describes the SPÖ's clear focus on issues such as redistribution, work and pensions as "back to the roots", while the Greens are focusing primarily on the environment and climate policy.

The FPÖ's handling of the migration issue is also surprising. Füricht-Fiegl notes: "The FPÖ is not playing the migration issue so strongly this time." Instead, it is focusing on system-critical tones, such as Herbert Kickl's people's chancellor narrative.

Another key issue in the election campaign is the flooding that hit parts of Austria hard in mid-September. Füricht-Fiegl emphasizes: "Disasters benefit the governing parties", as they take on decision-making roles at such times and receive a lot of publicity.

Babler as a popular candidate
Andreas Babler, the SPÖ's top candidate, is praised for his down-to-earth, popular manner. Füricht-Fiegl explains: "Andreas Babler can do beer tents!" His campaign is designed to appeal to the masses and his appearance in the crowd seems to go down well with the target group.

In your opinion, which party has the best election campaign strategy? How do disasters like the floods affect the political chances of the parties? Share your views and discuss with us in the comments! 

Watch the full interview in the video above.