At the Messe Congress Graz, Governor Hermann Schützenhöfer opened the symposium “Austria 22. In what constitution is Austria?” In the presence of Deputy Governor Anton Lang and other members of the Styrian Provincial Government. Renowned experts from science, business, society, art and culture could be won for the symposium. The aim of the future conference is, in addition to determining the position of the republic, to develop sustainable impulses for the future positioning of Austria.
Hermann Schützenhöfer stated in his opening speech: “I’m looking forward to inspiring hours and food for thought. In these days and weeks in particular, a well-founded and factual dialogue and joint reflection for and about Austria are particularly important. The constitution and the institutions it created have proven to be robust and sustainable, even during the pandemic and political crises. We have good foundations on which we can build. ”And he emphasized:“ But I am very concerned about the social and political climate, the way we interact with one another and the tone. A climate of heated debate, disrespect, untruths, the social media with their bubbles and echo chambers fuel this development. In politics it must always be about the struggle for the best ideas and not about a competition of mutual defamation. “
Then VfGH President Christoph Grabenwarter and the historian Barbara Stelzl-Marx opened the discussion with keynote speeches on the subject of “Constitution and Identity”. The second focus of the afternoon deals with the topic of “eco-social challenges”. The economists Gabriel Felbermayr and Christoph Badelt as well as climate researcher Andrea Steiner and the designated BOKU rector Eva Schulev-Steindl provide impetus for discussion.
On Friday, EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn will open the discussion on the constitution of Europe. The entire symposium can be followed via live stream from 10.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Further information can be found at www.oesterreich22.at.