The big interview

How do we get rid of these people, Mr. Kaiser?

Carinthian Governor Peter Kaiser in his office

(Bild: Evelyn Hronek)

Villach is still in shock after the fatal knife attack, in Vienna the police were only just able to thwart an attack at the Westbahnhof train station. Peter Kaiser (66) talks to Conny Bischofberger about anger and grief, his responsibility as governor of Carinthia and the powerlessness of politics in dealing with Islamists in our midst.

A virtual candle, held by two hands, burns on the screens in the provincial government building in Klagenfurt with its famous Hall of Mirrors. "Carinthia mourns" is written above it in black letters. The provincial governor is also still wearing a dark suit and vest on Friday afternoon.

There is a black stool under the conference table, which is covered with a Carinthian Reindling. "You're sitting opposite a valuable man," explains Peter Kaiser, "I've had an artificial knee made of titanium since January, so it's good to put my leg up sometimes." A brief smile from his friendly brown eyes.

A black and white portrait of Bruno Kreisky hangs on the wall and it feels like "the old man" is listening to us.

"Krone": Mr. Governor, you sent a flaming post to Elon Musk this week. Has he got back to you yet?