Authorities probe alleged ties between the nation's red-led administration and green-uniformed security forces.
Hitting the 100-Day Mark: Red-Green Government in Burgenland Faces Divides
The 100-day mark for Burgenland's first-ever "red-green" government is nearly upon us, and it's safe to say that the partners aren't exactly seeing eye-to-eye. With 17 red seats versus two green mandates, tensions are running high.
Up until 2000, the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) had a grip on Burgenland's government, providing the governor since 1964. However, the Greens snuck their way into the state parliament in 2000 and haven't held more than two seats since.
Tricky Start for the Green Newcomers
In 2010, the greens nearly disappeared, and speculation circulated about their potential elimination from the state parliament ahead of the January 19 election. Yet, surprisingly, the Greens managed to secure a spot on the government bench that winter – due in part to SPÖ Governor Hans Peter Doskozil's aversion to either the blue or turquoise parties.
The Green Rise: A Surprise Deputy Governor
Anja Haider-Wallner, a newcomer to the state parliament, was taken aback by her sudden promotion to Deputy Governor upon her appointment in February. Haider-Wallner, who had less than a year of political experience under her belt, was caught off guard when she found herself in her new role; "Suddenly Deputy Governor" – her first words upon taking the oath.
Burgenland Goes Green
Since then, Haider-Wallner has made the news with inaugural visits to sites like the beaver management centers and the National Park Neusiedler See-Seewinkel. She has also embarked on a dialogue tour called "Anja answers!" where citizens' questions are addressed directly. To support this, her office employs four staff members dedicated to communication and public relations.
One of the Green Party's most contested decisions was the abandonment of the long-standing fight against the proposed hospital's location in a Natura-2000 area in Gols. Instead, a design committee has been formed with the goal of "accompanying" the new hospital construction.
Red-Green: A Match Made to Govern?
Things aren't any clearer when it comes to whether the red party will only govern with green support moving forward.
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What is the future of the red-green government in Burgenland after the 100-day mark? Will it continue to be a match made to govern or face further divides?
The Green Party's unexpected rise in Burgenland politics has led to the appointment of Anja Haider-Wallner as Deputy Governor, a surprise for the newcomer with less than a year of political experience.
Haider-Wallner's office employs four staff members dedicated to communication and public relations, and she has made news with visits to beaver management centers and the National Park Neusiedler See-Seewinkel.
However, the Green Party's decision to abandon the long-standing fight against the proposed hospital's location in a Natura-2000 area in Gols and instead form a design committee for "accompanying" the new hospital construction has been met with contention. This decision, among other policy matters, raises questions about the long-term compatibility of the red and green partners in Burgenland's government.
