Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen comes to the 800th anniversary celebrations in the small district capital of Eferding – and is booed by an organized group. The incident at the performance with LH Thomas Stelzer (ÖVP) last weekend – we reported – raises questions: How much disrespect do politicians have to endure? Are they fair game for those who think differently because of their career choice?
One thing is certain: According to the current APA/OGM trust index, the reputation of politicians is worse than ever: Van der Bellen, even the most popular politician, lost ten trust points compared to March probably due to the forthcoming presidential election. Stelzer, on the other hand, has developed a thick skin: “If you bear political responsibility, you shouldn’t be squeamish.” As a politician, you have to make decisions again and again “that are right, but sometimes not popular”. ex-Health Minister Rudi Anschober, who was under police protection around the clock at home before his resignation in April 2021 because of death threats. And even now, at readings for his book “Pandemia”, there have already been events that have been disrupted by aggressive corona deniers. “There was no chance to lead a discourse,” says the Upper Austrian. “Radical honesty” Stelzer and Anschober agree: There is a gap in society that needs to be patched. “We have to find forums where a respectful discourse can take place,” says Anschober. And there needs to be “radical honesty” in politics: “Then it will be more respected again.”
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