Winkler defends SPÖ leadership transition as a restart

Upper Austrian SPÖ leader Martin Winkler has defended the planned gradual departure of Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler from party leadership and government, describing it as a fresh start for the party. In interviews with ORF on Monday, Winkler rejected criticism of the transition plan.

Babler is expected to step down from his party executive role and as vice-chancellor over the coming months, but will remain a minister. Party parliamentary leader Philip Kucher and Science Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner will support him until the handover.

Winkler said the state party leaders had agreed on the decision in advance, adding that he believed Babler’s political capital had been exhausted. He rejected claims that the party had been in chaos, saying the government and SPÖ bodies had continued to work. He also said the decision was unanimous.

Media executive Gerhard Zeiler, whose bid for the party leadership prompted the debate, is not being considered for the chairmanship, Winkler said. The SPÖ was grateful for Zeiler’s expertise, he added, but Zeiler did not have support to lead the party.

Winkler said the change would have no effect on next year’s state election in Upper Austria and that he felt strengthened by the outcome. He also described Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer as professionally competent and broadly supported within the party.