After the FPÖ decision

SPÖ in a state of shock: Anton Lang in hiding

Anton Lang is still not going as SPÖ leader.

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian)

The Styrian Reds are busy licking their wounds after being excluded from the future state government. Surprisingly few of the important functionaries are speaking out. Will party chairman Anton Lang resign?

Yesterday, everyone was actually expecting Anton Lang to resign as Styrian SPÖ leader. After he had achieved the worst election result in history and was ultimately responsible for the Reds having to go into opposition in Styria for the first time ever, the Upper Styrian actually had no other choice in the opinion of many Red party functionaries. But that was not the case. As on Sunday, Lang went into hiding and did not even speak.

The 65-year-old was clearly not the only one licking his wounds. The rest of the party was also tight-lipped: "We will now analyze the election results in detail and then discuss how to approach our new role and possibly reposition ourselves for it," was the message from party headquarters yesterday. A not insignificant addition: "Under the responsibility of Toni Lang."

Who, if not Anton Lang?
As one of the few leading Reds, Hannes Schwarz found his voice yesterday: "It is now up to us to continue to stand up for social justice and to solve the real problems in Styria." As a strong opposition, the government will be monitored and constructive alternatives offered.

So is the 47-year-old the new strong man in Styrian social democracy? The native of Leoben would probably not be able to rally too many comrades behind him if Lang were to announce his resignation after all. Although Schwarz is regarded as a competent politician, very few see him as a charismatic and sometimes vociferous opposition leader.

Many comrades would like to see Max Lercher.

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian)

They are more likely to trust "old acquaintances" such as former minister Jörg Leichtfried or the usually eloquent and much younger Max Lercher. The latter has the problem that a number of candidates ranked ahead of him would have to give up their mandate in order for him to enter parliament - although a seat in parliament is not a prerequisite for becoming party leader.