Van der Bellen Warns Against 'Heimat' Misuse, Cites Climate Dangers

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has cautioned against the dangerous misuse of the term "Heimat," or homeland, warning that it is often subjected to politically one-sided instrumentalization. Speaking at the opening of the Salzburg Festival, Van der Bellen emphasized that the concept of home should not be exploited for narrow political agendas.

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With the term 'Heimat,' a lot of dangerous nonsense is being peddled.

Van der Bellen underscored the pressing reality of climate change, noting that even the most cherished homeland can become uninhabitable if temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius. This stark warning serves as a reminder of the environmental challenges facing all regions, regardless of their cultural or historical significance.

The President also drew a poignant parallel between courageous civil activism and the severe consequences faced by those who advocate for democracy. He referenced Maria Kalesnikava, a Belarusian activist who peacefully championed democratic ideals and was subsequently imprisoned. Kalesnikava's release through diplomatic intervention allowed her to live in Western Europe, a form of involuntary migration, highlighting the difficult choices faced by dissidents.

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The most beautiful homeland becomes uninhabitable at 40 degrees Celsius.

Welcoming Kalesnikava, Van der Bellen expressed hope that she would find a new, second home that could coexist with her original one, underscoring the universal human need for belonging and security.

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Maria Kalesnikava (the festival speaker) peacefully advocated for more democracy in Belarus, in broad daylight. That is called civil courage. For that, the authorities there locked her up for years in a tiny prison cell.