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ÖVP Leader Hohensinner: 'I Want to Replace the Left-Green Coalition in Graz'

From Der Standard · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • ÖVP leader Kurt Hohensinner aims to replace the left-green coalition in Graz, Austria.
  • He criticizes the current government's traffic policy, which he claims is anti-car.
  • Hohensinner also expressed a willingness to consider a coalition with the KPÖ, despite differing views on economic policy.

Kurt Hohensinner, the leader of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) in Graz, has declared the upcoming municipal council election on June 28 as a pivotal moment for the city. Following the ÖVP's significant defeat in 2021 under former Mayor Siegfried Nagl, Hohensinner faces the challenge of leading the party back to power.

I want to replace the left-green coalition in Graz.

— Kurt HohensinnerStating his primary political goal for the upcoming election.

During his election campaign, Hohensinner has sharply criticized the incumbent left-green city government. He accuses them of a complete failure in traffic policy, asserting that their measures are unfairly targeted against drivers. Hohensinner also contends that the Communist Party (KPÖ) Mayor Elke Kahr lacks a forward-looking vision for Graz, prioritizing social issues while neglecting essential economic development strategies.

The traffic problems in Graz are unsolved.

— Kurt HohensinnerCriticizing the current administration's handling of urban mobility.

Despite his criticisms of the KPÖ, Hohensinner has not ruled out the possibility of a working agreement or even a coalition with the party. This stance suggests a pragmatic approach to forming a governing majority, even if ideological differences exist, particularly concerning economic policy. Hohensinner's campaign also includes a promise to reopen 1,000 parking spaces that were eliminated under the current administration.

He accuses them of a complete failure in traffic policy, which is directed against car drivers.

— Der StandardSummarizing Hohensinner's criticism of the current Graz city government.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Der Standard in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.