AK President is new SPÖ leader in Salzburg

The Salzburg branch of the SPÖ (Social Democratic Party of Austria) has elected Peter Eder as its new leader, marking a significant shift after a year and a half without a chosen party chief. Eder, who also serves as the president of the Chamber of Labour, secured a decisive victory with 95.3% of the votes at the party congress in St. Johann.

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Today we turn a new page, we take a new path.

Eder, who had been leading the party on an interim basis since late 2024, declared his primary objective is to return the SPÖ to the state government. Addressing approximately 700 delegates and guests, he announced, "Today we turn a new page, we take a new path." He emphasized the party's renewed strength and determination to act differently and think differently, asserting, "The Salzburg SPÖ is alive again, and we all want more."

Using a local train metaphor, Eder confidently stated that the "Social Democracy train has already departed" and is scheduled to arrive "punctually at the Chiemseehof station (the seat of the state government) in 2028." He expressed optimism about convincing voters, citing the current state government's policies as a point of contrast.

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And in 2028 we will arrive punctually at the Chiemseehof station (the seat of the state government), and we will not be stopped anymore.

Key policy areas highlighted by Eder include affordable housing, with a call for the reintroduction of the housing fund and active land policy. He also stressed the importance of preventative healthcare, better patient management, and addressing waiting times. On integration, Eder stated, "Anyone who wants to live in Austria must live equality. That can be said. It's not about right or left, but about fair participation in society, which someone with linguistic deficits does not have."

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Anyone who wants to live in Austria must live equality. That can be said. It's not about right or left, but about fair participation in society, which someone with linguistic deficits does not have.

SPÖ federal chairman and Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler also spoke, emphasizing the party's contributions within the current coalition government, despite the challenges of working with conservative partners. He highlighted the need to counter the FPÖ's agenda by offering clear social democratic solutions.

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We must take the topic away from the FPÖ.