In “Vorarlberg LIVE”, the outgoing NEOS head of state, Sabine Scheffknecht, summed up nine years as party leader.
Today there is a general meeting of the Neos. A new party leader is to be elected. The desired successor to the current chairwoman Sabine Scheffknecht is Claudia Gamon, a member of the European Parliament. The party announced this in October and thus caused internal criticism. In an interview with UN editor Magdalena Raos in Vorarlberg LIVE, Scheffknecht took stock of nine years of party leadership.
internal criticism
With her, the Neos had achieved the best state parliament result of all Neos elections in Vorarlberg, she said. Scheffknecht is now giving up her position due to internal rules. “It is very clear to us Neos that we will only exercise our political functions for a certain period of time. I think it’s a great achievement, this time limit.” You have to constantly ensure that young people follow and that knowledge is passed on. Scheffknecht remains a member of parliament and club chairwoman in the state parliament.
The fact that the party leadership had already decided on Claudia Gamon as the new party leader at the end of last year caused a stir within the party. These are undemocratic processes, criticized Neos veteran Hans Widerin. “These are not undemocratic processes. It will be elected on Saturday,” replies Scheffknecht. She sees a “misunderstanding” in the debate. The concern that no one else has stood for election is unfounded.
The whole show
Scheffknecht sees progress in the areas of work-life balance and education as a Neos achievement. In the case of the Neos core topic of education, there was only recently a push in the area of “common schools” for ten to fourteen year olds. “The initiative did not come from the state government. But at least the pressure from the SPÖ and us helped Neos here.” Details are still open. The introduction of a model region still requires the consent of parents and teachers at school locations.
A major controversial topic is currently the reform of the U-committees in the country. The talks failed in January due to different opinions on the implementation of the arbitration board. The Neos don’t want to change their minds on this point. “It is very important for us that files are delivered. We cannot provide clarification if we do not receive the relevant documents. No Ombudsman or Court of Auditors can decide. A court can decide.”
Controversial topic U-Committee
“There is an urgent need for a committee of inquiry. The ÖVP has not yet proven that it will provide clarification,” says Schneffknecht about the business association. All personnel decisions made in the direction of the Wirtschaftsbund would ensure that everything continues to be swept under the carpet. With a view to the 2024 elections, she says: “The ÖVP has weakened itself.” However, Scheffknecht does not rule out a coalition with the ÖVP. “We make the choice because we want to take responsibility. If the voter shows majorities, then you have to be able to get along.”
The broadcast “Vorarlberg LIVE” is a cooperation between VOL.AT, VN.at, Ländle TV and VOL.AT TV and is broadcast from Monday to Friday from 5 p.m. There’s more here.
