Austria’s SPÖ faces leadership crisis as Babler’s support crumbles
The Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) is grappling with internal strife after its recent election loss. Party leader Andreas Babler is under scrutiny, with demands for him to step down in favor of Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer intensifying.
Babler's leadership has been criticized, with even usually supportive tabloids turning against him. The Kronen Zeitung, Austria's largest daily, has launched a 'Babler Muss Weg' campaign. Babler's support within the party is waning, and his external backing is weak.
Marterbauer, currently serving as Finance Minister, has gained respect both within the SPÖ and beyond. His decision to use an official Skoda car, saving taxpayer money, has even won over initially skeptical tabloids. Many see him as a potential successor to Babler, with some suggesting Babler should step down by late 2025 to strengthen the party's position for upcoming elections.
Michael Ludwig, the influential Vienna Mayor, is neither fully supporting nor abandoning Babler. Ludwig previously helped Babler become party leader to block Hans Peter Doskozil from taking the post. The SPÖ needs an appealing federal leader to attract a broader electorate and regain strength.
The SPÖ's future leadership is uncertain. Babler faces pressure to step down, with Marterbauer emerging as a popular choice to replace him. The party hopes that a change in leadership will help it appeal to a broader electorate and regain strength ahead of upcoming elections.
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