Babler faces internal party criticism over performance and polls

Andreas Babler, leader of Austria's Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), is navigating a challenging period marked by internal dissent and poor poll ratings. Despite recent public appearances and efforts to connect with party members during his summer tour, criticism from within his own ranks continues to surface.

Regional party leaders, notably Burgenland's Hans Peter Doskozil and Carinthia's Daniel Fellner, have openly questioned Babler's leadership and electability. Doskozil has described the party's poll numbers, hovering between 15 and 17 percent, as "pathetic." Fellner has explicitly challenged the prospect of campaigning with Babler in the next election. These figures represent the most vocal critics within the so-called "Babler muss weg" (Babler must go) faction.

Even within these critical circles, there are acknowledgments of Babler's performance and the SPÖ's government team, with some evaluating their work as "solid." However, this positive assessment does not translate into improved public opinion or poll numbers. St. Pölten Mayor Matthias Stadler (SPÖ) has called for internal discussions, stating that the party should not be "occupied with itself" and that criticism should be handled privately.

Babler himself has largely remained silent on the internal attacks, asserting that "all personnel questions were decided very clearly at the party congress in the spring." Yet, the debate appears far from over, with discussions about potential successors reportedly ongoing in various party offices. Some observers suggest that the persistent media scrutiny may be hindering Babler's ability to escape a defensive posture. Roland Fürst, parliamentary group leader of the Burgenland SPÖ, told "Die Presse" that criticism is voiced both publicly and within party committees, emphasizing that skepticism about entering a coalition with the ÖVP and Neos has been present since the government's inception. He stressed that remaining silent amid dramatic poll figures would be the "biggest mistake."

“

jämmerlich