Doskozil: 'We have taken the path towards a small party at the federal level'

Hans Peter Doskozil, the governor of Burgenland, has returned to public discourse after undergoing laryngectomy surgery, stating that his party, the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ), has taken a path toward becoming a minor party on the federal level. Speaking in an interview with Der Standard, Doskozil warned that following the next election, the SPÖ would likely exit the coalition government, citing misalignment with key issues as the reason. Doskozil described the past year as particularly challenging, emphasizing the difficulties he faced beyond the loss of his voice, primarily related to breathing. He noted that while he is currently mechanically limited in speech due to needing to press a valve on his prosthesis, the tube used during recovery will eventually be removed. This new phase of life, he said, represents a fresh perspective for him personally. The governor addressed concerns about whether discussing health issues in politics signals weakness. Refuting such notions, Doskozil argued that transparency builds credibility and trust among voters. He emphasized that politicians should set an example by openly addressing their conditions, which can inspire others facing similar challenges. In response to questions regarding the SPÖ's silence on migration policy compared to other parties, Doskozil suggested that the party’s reduced influence might stem from its trajectory toward becoming a smaller political force. He pointed out that the current situation makes it difficult for the SPÖ to claim responsibility for governance, given projected electoral outcomes. Regarding the party’s struggles reflected in polls showing support levels as low as 16 percent, Doskozil acknowledged that failure to resonate with voters leads to a lack of credibility and trust. He identified several key areas where the SPÖ believes it could better connect with the electorate, including healthcare privatization, migration policies, nursing care, and affordable housing. Doskozil criticized existing measures, suggesting they fall short of addressing these pressing issues effectively. When asked about the rise of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) and its leader Herbert Kickl, Doskozil attributed this growth more to the overall poor performance of the federal government than to individual capabilities. He highlighted Kickl’s tenure as interior minister as evidence of his inability to manage internal affairs effectively, noting that the FPÖ’s strength lies in the weaknesses of its competitors. Doskozil also touched upon austerity measures, describing the message sent to the population through such policies as disrespectful. He implied that these actions have contributed to public dissatisfaction, further complicating the SPÖ’s efforts to regain voter confidence. His comments reflect broader concerns within the party about how economic strategies impact public perception and political viability.