“By Christmas, Walter Ruck will be history”

Walter Ruck shows no signs of stepping down as President of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, even after his expulsion from the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP). Ruck's power base, primarily the influential Vienna Business Association, continues to back him despite widespread calls for his resignation from party leadership, including Chancellor Christian Stocker.

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After the party expulsion, the determination of the Business Association and the oaths of Ruck's friends will be worth nothing more.

Ruck has indicated he will legally challenge his expulsion, though an appeal is unlikely to succeed given that the party members who supported his ouster would likely rule on it. The situation is marked by political maneuvering, with opposition parties, including the SPÖ, urging Vienna's Mayor Ludwig to persuade Ruck to resign. Mayor Ludwig, however, has stated he does not anticipate Ruck's withdrawal, citing Ruck as a prudent and trustworthy dialogue partner.

Former Vienna ÖVP leader Bernhard Görg predicts that Ruck's support will evaporate following his party expulsion. Görg believes Mayor Ludwig will soon distance himself from Ruck, as aligning with an ostracized politician would not serve the SPÖ's interests. Görg forecasts that Ruck will be "history by Christmas," suggesting a brief grace period before his inevitable departure.

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They will quickly realize that Ruck can no longer push through the chamber's interests with the mayor. It will take a period of decency, but Walter Ruck will be history by Christmas at the latest.

While Ruck's close cooperation with Mayor Ludwig has been based on more than just friendship, the Chamber's economic expertise has bolstered the SPÖ's image, the political landscape is shifting. The SPÖ, according to internal polls, now surpasses the ÖVP in perceived economic competence. The continued support for Ruck from his business association, which governs the Chamber with an absolute majority, remains a key factor, but analysts suggest this backing is becoming increasingly untenable.

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I did not know until now that the mayor is also the chairman of the ÖVP.