Resignation of Austrian chancellor reveals cracks in his party

Werner Faymann's abrupt resignation both as Austrian chancellor and head of the Social Democrats is only the end of the beginning of the political strife within his party over how to deal with the emerging right-wing populist Freedom Party.

In 1986, Social Democrat Chancellor Franz Vranitzky made a doctrine that the party should not enter into coalition with the Freedom Party. But today some Social Democrats believe that the doctrine puts the party in despair.

The reality is, the Social Democrat-People's Party coalition may not be able to retain majority in elections as a result of the growing weight of the Freedom Party, which has gained from the refugee crisis.

As many Social Democrats have switched to the Freedom Party over the last years, some Social Democrats want a substantive re-orientation toward the Freedom Party.

In an open criticism, Linz Mayor Klaus Luger, a Social Democrat, has said that his party has transformed into "an ideological sect" and that the "red traditionalists uphold dusty dogmas."

Social Democrat Hans Niessl, governor of Burgenland, is already ruling in coalition with the Freedom Party.

On the other hand, sects within the Social Democrats, especially youth organizations, remain adamant. They demand a clear voice in the refugee debate and clear distance from the Freedom Party.

Faymann, unfortunately, was caught in the crossfire within his party. A year ago, he followed in German Chancellor Angela Merkel's footsteps in the European refugee crisis, adopting an open-arms policy. But as public opinion changed, Faymann and his administration had to argue for restrictive measures. The change of policy angered the left-wing of his party.

Faymann was crushed between the two camps. Some accused him of being too dogmatic with regard to the Freedom Party, while others would not forgive him for the refugee policy change.

In addition, Faymann had to take responsibility for the Social Democrat failures in numerous elections, resulting in his sudden resignation.

Faymann's successor will face the onerous task of bringing the different sects within the party together in face of an increasingly aggressive Freedom Party.

Source: XINHUA