Kaineder is 40 years old

A rare colorful bouquet of birthday greetings

Thomas Stelzer held a laudatory speech for jubilarian Kaineder (right)

(Bild: Horst Einöder/Flashpictures)

State Councillor for the Environment Stefan Kaineder (Greens) celebrated his 40th birthday on Wednesday. He did so with political companions, but also invited his "work colleagues" from the government and state parliament from other parties. They also came and proved that politics isn't always just about sparks flying.

Wind turbines, soil erosion, energy transition: Stefan Kaineder (Greens) and Markus Achleitner (ÖVP), the provincial councillors for the environment and economy respectively, clash fiercely on pretty much every political issue. It is also well known that Kaineder's world view is diametrically opposed to that of Deputy Governor Manfred Haimbuchner (FPÖ).

Governor held laudatory speech
And yet: both Achleitner and Haimbuchner accepted the invitation to celebrate Kaineder's 40th birthday at the Sonnenstein Loft in Linz on Wednesday. Club leader Herwig Mahr and the Second President of the Provincial Parliament Sabine Binder (both FPÖ) as well as the still Provincial Councillor Michael Lindner and the Third President of the Provincial Parliament Peter Binder (both SPÖ) also mingled with the well-wishers - as did LH Thomas Stelzer, who did not miss the opportunity to give a witty speech in praise of his Green opponent.

Enjoying a glass of wine together: FPÖ leader Manfred Haimbuchner (left) and Third Provincial Parliament President Peter Binder (SPÖ).

(Bild: Einöder Horst/Horst Einöder/Flashpictures)

Unimaginable in Vienna
Even Green Party leader and Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler paid tribute to this colorful bouquet of guests in his speech. Something like this would never happen in Vienna - politicians of different colors treating each other with goodwill and respect for an entire evening. In this respect, Wednesday evening may also be a model for political discourse in general.