The citizens have had enough

Big hearts: these 20 helpers are there for others

In Klagenfurt's city politics, one scandal has followed the next in recent years: whether it's the lack of an indoor swimming pool, the ailing city finances, informer scandals or the court cases against former municipal director Peter Jost.

"This eternal squabbling is irresponsible - we've had enough!" says Bettina Pirker from "Kärnten andas", a non-profit association that, together with cabaret artist Christian Hölbling and the "Interessensgemeinschaft der Kulturinitiativen in Kärnten/Koroška (IG KiKK)", is calling for a demonstration in front of the town hall on January 31: "Klagenfurt's city politics are an embarrassment that is unique in Austria. Instead of finally solving the many problems in the interests of the population, they are arguing, muddling on and destroying taxpayers' money!"

From 2 p.m., representatives from sport, civil society, culture and the social sector will have their say: "We have also invited all political parties - so that they can actively listen to what the population has to say," says Pirker in the "Krone" interview.

Around 200 demonstrators are expected. An online petition by IG KiKK entitled "Klagenfurt, do your job: budget decision now!" already has almost 3,000 signatures.