Melinz backs Graz coalition stability despite narrow majority

KPÖ Styrian chairman Alexander Melinz is optimistic that his party’s coalition with the Greens in Graz will continue despite its narrow majority, ORF Steiermark reported on Monday. He said major issues had broad support, making cooperation in the city council possible.

“I believe it is also possible to work well with this majority. On the major issues, there is a great deal of agreement,” Melinz told ORF Steiermark reporter Ulli Enzinger. Other political groups have also responded positively to major projects in the Graz city council, making broad support likely.

Budget is central issue

The budget was a key topic in the interview. Melinz said financial challenges had to be addressed without imposing burdensome cuts on most residents. The Austrian Federal Court of Audit has called for savings and criticised voluntary subsidies, but Melinz said this was unacceptable to the KPÖ.

“In Graz, it has always been important to the KPÖ to ensure that the main burden of this situation does not fall on the broad majority of people,” he said.

Melinz acknowledged that public finances were under pressure but said the challenges could also be addressed as an opportunity. He conceded that it would not be easy, but said he was confident the right approach could continue to serve the interests of Graz residents.