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Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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Fulfilling my duty: Europe but in a way it has been a


microcosm of what is currently
lessons to be learnt happening in the world of politics.
Or to paraphrase Austrian author
humorist Peter Orthofer: They
haven't been spared anything.
a two-part essay
How relevant is what has happened
1) "Joerg Haider – Fullfiling my in Austrian politics, relevant to us
duty" original text by Werner especially those who don't even
Schneyder. (Vienna 2002) vote in our own election?
Especially, the abstentionists
2) Lessons to be learnt from should especially prick up their
Austrian politics for all of us ears: there are lessons to be learnt
voters. in part 2.

The rise of the far-right, populist Since modern Austrian politics keep
politicians, spin and pragmatism, on being associated with the
loss of party identity, distorted recently deceased Mr Joerg Haider,
perceptions, third way, it is only fair for me to translate an
irresponsible banks, human rights, essay about him by the competent
hype and media, celebrity culture, and acclaimed writer Werner
failure and successes and Schneyder. It was an honour to
international scrutiny. Austria may translate a piece of work by him.
be a small country in the middle of

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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time in Bad Ischl he had first


contacts with nationalist
organizations, such as the
Burschenschaft Albia, a right-
Jörg Haider – Death of a celebrity
wing student group.
politician
After he graduated with highest
translation of an essay by
distinction in 1968, he moved to
Werner Schneyder , after this Vienna to study law. During his
introduction by Wikipedia. studies he was affiliated again
with a Burschenschaft such as
Jörg Haider (January 26, 1950 – Silvania. After graduating from
October 11, 2008)[1] was an the University of Vienna with the
Austrian politician. He was title of Dr. iur. in 1973 he was
Governor of Carinthia and drafted into the Austrian Army
Chairman of the "Alliance for the where he voluntarily spent more
Future of Austria" (Bündnis than the mandatory nine months
Zukunft Österreich, BZÖ). (called 'the voluntary one year').
In 1974 he started to work at the
Born in Upper Austrian town of
University of Vienna law faculty
Bad Goisern in 1950 , Haider was
in the department of
reportedly always top of his
constitutional law.
class in high school. During his

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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Haider became wealthy when he Jewish owner of Bärental


inherited the estate of his uncle demanded compensation and
Wilhelm Webhofer in 1983, who was paid an additional 850,000
had owned a large parcel of land schilling (around 400,000 dollars
in Carinthia commonly known as today.
'Bärental' (bear valley). This
estate has a history that came up Haider was a long-time leader of
in the 1990s in the Austrian the Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ).
media. The land had been Although he stepped down as
owned by an Italian Jew until the FPÖ's chairman in 2000, he
1941. At that point in time the remained its major figure until
Nazis still hesitated to take he founded the BZÖ in April
possession of "Jewish property" 2005. He was subsequently
owned by non-German nationals expelled from the FPÖ by its
without any compensation. Thus interim leader Hilmar Kabas. He
when the estate was "sold" in is controversial within Austria
1941, Haider's great-uncle Josef and abroad.
Webhofer (a resident of Bolzano-
Bozen, Italy) paid 300,000 Haider was killed in a car crash
Reichsmark (about 1.5 million at Lambichl in Köttmannsdorf
dollars today) to obtain title to near Klagenfurt, in the state of
the land. After the war Mathilde Carinthia, in the early hours of
Ruifer, the widow of the former October 11, 2008. , shortly after

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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leading the BZÖ in the Austrian Opinions of a soloist


Parliamentary elections. (Ansichten eines Soloisten)

----- title: Jörg Haider – Fulfilling


my duty.
Author : Werner Schneyder –

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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Does one still have to explain to


people that his self-parking as
I don't want to utter that name Carinthia's regional chief of state
again, nor write it again. Dealing (Landeshauptmann), this posing
with this character is revolting. I as “simple party member”
have continually spoken against (“einfaches Parteimitglied”) were
him, talked about him, to him and, nothing but mean tricks? His
on request, described him in party leadership via interjections
magazines. I'm fed up.
proves this on a daily basis. Does
Yet, I can't grant him the triumph of one still have to warn against
my having exhausted the subject trusting his apparent retreat?
matter. I'll go on. Where and how I
can. His defeat would be too big,
almost overwhelming, were he
But, isn't it just too daft constantly not able to get back to the front
reminding people that he once once more. His borderline
said: “No stone will stay upright” pathological yearning for the
(“Kein Stein wird auf dem anderen limelight cannot be quenched
bleiben”). That he already was with a post as a football club
frighteningly close to his dream of president.
the Third Republic (Dritte Republik),
the Haider-Empire (Haider-Reich).
Dammit! Doesn't anybody know

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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that? ideologically speaking, he is


certainly not pure-bred. Classical
Haider's strategy reminds me a Nazism implies principles – very
bit of Franz-Josef Strauss': mean ones indeed, but principles
Remaining the paternal leader of all the same. Haider the character is
far too post-modern: principles is
his federal free state
an alien notion to him. He looks
(Landesvater im eigenen where he can find opportunities. He
Freistaat) and then partly direct, is a “gap-in-the-market-Nazi”
parly heckle the work in the city (Marktlückennazi – © by mir) – ©
of federal government Werner Schneyder - . On one hand,
(Regierungsstadt). Consequently: he is a primitive demagogue, on
prepare for the march on Vienna the other, he is clever, cultured and
(“Marsh auf Wien”). The fact that multilingual. Haider keeps close
Strauss and Bonn did not work contacts to the old guard
at the time may be regarded as a (“Ehemaligen”) and the new
glow of hope. Pangermans (Deutschnationalen).

I'm also fed up having to explain Haider uses people. He


instrumentalises the old and the
continually to Germans that
potential nazis. That's the danger.
equation Haider = Nazi is far too He could create a centre of
easy thinking. The matter is not gravitation. Many may gravitate
that simple. Sure, Jörg Haider has towards that centre, especially a
a relevant genetic disposition, but,

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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new and a real extreme-right unreasonable expectation for me to


movement. It is not sure at all explain once again: In Austria,
whether Haider would then be their there are no more Nazis and racists
boss, or whether they would write than in any other country. However,
him off because of his crass in no other country, is there a
narcissism. politician who has Haider's talent to
activate them. That's the point.
As we know, the world visions by
the Christian Democrats and the Everything in me is reluctant to
Social-Democrats have been admit that Haider might almost
considerably diluted, however, both have succeeded at and after the
still have the one or the other 1999 elections, albeit many years
taboo. As far as Haider is after his constant predictions
concerned, there is nothing else on announced it but still... He could
the agenda but a fluctuating, have almost become Austrian
extreme populism. Chancellor, and, in any case, he
decisively influenced who would
The “success” of Jörg Haider – just get the post with his blessing. Who
the fact that I'm writing about him voted for him? How did Haider sell
again justifies the term – gives
eminent German and Austrians
intellectuals and self-important a dummy programme package, - a
posers reasons to suspect Austria to contradictory box of presents that
be a Nazi-country. It is almost an are impossible to finance – to

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voters across the social spectrum? of a farcical “conservative”


How does he achieve this constant coalition. In Austria, the reviled
and unjustified feeling of Social-Democrats in the old
“something must change, there coalition were certainly more
needs to be something new” How “conservative” than the party of led
could a blunt, racist mood replete by political gigolo Haider,
with false statistics take off? Why collecting total-protesters
does inflammatory talk, untruths, overtaking the left and seducing
retouched quotes, half-apologies, the right. The mighty punchline to
recalls followed by new lies not the joke is that this man also
scare off people dramatically? managed an alliance with the
conservative wing of the Catholic
Who does not believe me that church.
looking for answers to these Only moderately challenged by a
questions makes me feel like manky, matted, indolent and
vomiting? incompetent (“verzulten, verflilzten,
Politically speaking, “the Turn” (Die faulen und unbegabten”) Great
Wende) started in Austria with the Coalition, he collected votes. Not
traditional character weakness of only from the Nazi-sympathising
the Christian-democrat leader. “If
we become third, we go into
opposition,”, the vice-Chancellor old middle classes and moronic
announced. His party became third, fun-yuppies, no: also from – a
he became Chancellor. Chancellor scandal! - the left-wing deserted by

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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the Social-Democrats: the


underprivileged, the missed-out,
the forgotten. That voting boost
transformed Haider's “movement”
into “worker's party”. And then,
when the government was
appointed, he was the nation's
front-man, he basked in his own
importance and retired after the
“Turn” was achieved. He retired to
Carinthia and withdrew his person
from party debâcles and the
exposing of the great social
swindle, and he could remain
“simply honest, simply Jörg!”
(einfach ehrlich, einfach Jörg!).

His plan is not allowed to succeed!

The greater part of me is reluctant


to beat up the Social Democrats.
But if we want to explain “The
Turn”, then it is unavoidable.
Especially because their role in the
opposition forces them to to re-

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assess their principles again. too. They did not examine claims
by the Freedom Party closely. The
These principles were lost. In an Haider Poster “He did not lie to
overall prosperous country, the you” (Er hat Euch nicht belogen)
Social-Democrats chronically was left standing without
overlooked those who were not argumentation. Instead of replying
doing well, those who felt “Because he never told the truth”,
miserable. And also: the leaders the Reds – in full seriousness -
were always gob-smacked if placated the slogan: “The Right
someone reminded them of the Path into the 21st Century” (Der
widening social gap, and possibly richtige Weg ins 21st Jahrhundert).
also the widening gender gap. That path was not really possible to
They referred you to their party miss. Even an idiot could find it.
manifesto and could not
comprehend that a party manifesto Nowadays, party sympathisers feel
is only viable if its promises are a mixture of grief about their fate
fulfilled. Haider was allowed to as an opposition party and the
effortlessly refer to the shortfalls of desire of a forced regeneration, and
the left and to assert that he had a the pleasure of active theoretical
more social perspective. That was and demagogic talent, combined
very embarrassing. with hope for argumentative
awareness against Haider.
The Social-Democrats election
campaign itself was embarrassing

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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A populist can only be defeated by Where does this man come from?
his own contradictions. Citizens How did he become what he is? I
must be told this constantly that re-iterate: it is an unreasonable
Haider already suggests every expectation to tell the story once
opinion, every solution and their again but we need the picture.
exact opposites. It is required from
every candidate to find their own It all started in Upper Austria, in a
polemic talents. That talent had lower-class family who has Nazi-
been in short supply for a long sympathies. Young Jörgl grew up
time. Obviously, this has changed with parents who felt “wronged”
now. (unrecht) after the end of World War
At the first press conference by the 2. Naturally, this had an influence
side of Chancellor Schüssel, the on him. They sent the talented fella
proudly smiling E.U. opponent to study and he achieved
Haider waved the European flag in something academically. However,
front of the cameras. At the same it felt like too much work to pursue
time, he formally requested a a career in academia – the Nobel
referendum against the E.U. Prize was unreachable. Politics
enlargement. However, if he were offered more promises for the
to travel to Hungary in the near limelight. He looked around and he
future, one can be sure that he found the FPO (Austrian Freedom
would distribute little E.U. Flags to Party). Haider saw a chance with
the children and the needy. liberal-democrat wing of the party,
however, there was no chance of

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leadership from there, neither for meteoric rise of Jörg Haider had
the party nor for himself. He had to begun.
become the prime candidate, that
was his goal: “primus inter pares” For the rise, he used a talent, or,
(first amongst equals) and soon better said, the desire to have one.
amongst parasites – and this is That is because Jörg Haider once
exactly what happened. He wanted to be an actor. This
managed to change to the right- explains a lot. The desire – nay: the
wing of the party from the starting lust – for the limelight, for the
block. In the meantime, he was applause and to be loved by the
operating from Carinthia (Kärnten) public takes one along strange
– the 26-year old Upper Austrian paths. One may conclude that
had mutated into a pure breed politics came to him as a
Carinthian with roots dating back compensation – a bit like it came
from twelve generations (!). He also as a compensation for another
met a political headmistress, a compatriot in German-culture
classical Nazi-Dame, an old BDM history. Jörg Haider became the
(=Bund Deutscher Mädel = Nazi girl actor of politics, indeed in a
youth group) and she was really manner that would not have taken
called Kriemhild. Haider was taught him beyond a third-rate tour, had
how to represent the homeland he been in the theatre profession.
(Heimat). At the FPO Party He hams it up, and what surprises
conference, he succeeded in a me is that nobody notices. Perhaps
carefully planned putsch. The it's because there is an over-supply

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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of bad actors on TV and people impressive.


watching the screen have un-learnt
to notice when someone can only He insists on the people's decision:
disguise themselves with great Power to Haider! (Haider an die
difficulty. Macht!). Who can prevent him?
Eventually, the regicide within his
Jörg Haider constantly plays roles. own ranks. The smart face of the
He walks into the pub (Gasthaus) in fifty-year old has begun to show
regional costume (Trachtenanzug). wrinkles and there are many
When meeting young handsome young men who trust
entrepreneurs, he wears the latest themselves as leaders. Eventually,
designer look. In front of the classy the regicide by the Pangermans
auditorium, he wears the correct (Deutschnationalen) who find him
suit. His choice of words and tone too slippery.
is flexible in a similar way. At the
beer-tent, he is the top geezer If he was successful, he could
(klasse Bursche) who verbally lets it become a role model for politicians
rip. At press conferences or during within his “empire” (Reich) and
talk-shows, he plays the “elder beyond, in Europe. What can stop
statesman” opposite the hapless him for good?
opponent. Everything is
exaggerated, everything is First, a downturn in “popular
outrageous, however, when opinion”. The elderly publisher of
reaching to his public, he is Kronen-Zeitung daily newspaper is
angry at Haider. He wanted to keep
Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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him as the leader of the opposition: depict it. When it is about such big
a barking dog, a provocative voice, things like building a new hospital
a story provider, a vehicle for the wing or dealing with the ownership
publisher. Against the advice of the of the Seebühne (a lakeside venue
mighty and all-mighty Krone, the for concerts and events) etc etc etc,
FPO became involved in the Haider stands there, announces a
government. There had to be decision, explains the reasons and
consequences. The retirement of lets people celebrate him for his
“Staberl” who helped shape decision and the reasons. Two
opinions was possibly one of the weeks later, there he stands again,
consequences. From his arthritic revokes everything and demands to
and remarkable perspective, Staberl be celebrated for that. He
stubbornly and faithfully supported understands the federal region as
the youthfulness of Haider – and an stage. He forces a dense
his devotion, psychologically- calendar of events just to stand
speaking, moved from lovey-dovey outside every entrance to shake
tenderness to political old- hands. It is impossible to avoid
queerness (Alterschwulität). Haider the omnipresent greeting-
man: no entry without seeing him.
What should also stop Haider is his In his buzz for events, Haider leaves
performance as regional father all the guidelines at the door and
(Landesvater), as a paternal that led to the withdrawal of
country-lad – and that performance Andreas Mölzer, who had been
is lamentable. One should refuse to cultural adviser and main party

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ideologist. As that straight-laced be interpreted as “free from Haider


right-winger had potential to reel in and undivided by him”.
the followers, there was damage
done to Haider from the right. Do I find anything good about the
man? At the most this: often, Haider
In the meantime he placates the may have hoped for a second
whole region full with his portraits chance, perhaps one with the Green
and the claim: “Carinthia blooms” Party (die Grüne) or a new Left-wing
(Kärnten blüht auf), he has brochure Party. Perhaps in his self-analysis,
after brochure printed and they he was fed up having to stay
basically contain Haider photos. faithful to the Nazi-subscribers.
However, it was too late for him:
He has taken the region hostage. there was no way back.

Carinthia is still traumatised by its He plasters over the cracks with


defensive battle (Abwehrkampf) media role playing. One hopes that
against the Slovenes. Now it has a he will share the fate of mediocre
chance to revise its opinion. media celebrities. After the great
Carinthians could say to themselves populist soap opera, nobody may
that if they managed to stave off wish to see him again. He will
the Slovenes, then surely they can disappear in Valley of the Bears
succeed in getting rid of Haider. (Bärental). Goodbye forever and the
And the memorable slogan colours on the autograph cards will
“Carinthia free and undivided” fade.
(Kärnten frei und ungeteilt) could
Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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art history graduated with a


doctorate at the University of
Vienna. Journalist, underwriter and
playwright, his career has
embraced the diversities of a
writer's life. In 1974, he was part of
a duo with German cabaretist
Dieter Hildebrandt, then he
embarked on a solo career as a
performance satirist. He was also a
bar-singer, a boxer, a boxing match
Werner Schneyder referee, TV-script author, guest
sports commentator, talk-show
Author: Werner Schneyder – presenter, and avid visitors of
Ansichten eines Soloisten. (2002) Heurigen (Wine-gardens) and cafes.
Kremayr & Sheriau Vienna (part of He held the funeral eulogy of
Random House Publishings) chancellor Bruno Kreisky in
“Sometimes my opinions get on my An independent author since 1965,
nerves, but I have no others.“. Born he has written scripts for TV, loads
in 1937 in Graz/Styria/Austria, of books, countless articles in
Werner Schneyder grew up in newspapers. Ansichten eines
Klagenfurt/Carinthia where he still Soloisten (Opinions of a soloist) is a
lives when he is not working in collection of feuilletons about
Vienna. He studied publishing and

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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people, politics and culture. In one Werner Schneyder, Kabarettist,


of these pieces he praises his role *1937:
model the pacifist militant writer "Einsamkeit ist Belästigung durch
Erich Kästner. His latest work is a sich selbst."
spoken word CD of Erich Kastner's
writings and his latest book is Loneliness is self-annoyance
called “Cancer – a post-script”
where he deals with the subject of
his wife dying of cancer and
appeals for more humane medical
care.

Werner Schneyder is in my opinion


on of the best Austrian authors I've
read and I had the pleasure to hear
him moderating a political
discussion in Vienna in 2001. He is
an author who has clear cut
opinions and principles, and yet he
commands admiration because of
his vast knowledge and affable
persona. A true polymath.

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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that this younger generation of


leaders can not be held responsible
for the Lucona kriminal and
financial in 1977. It was also an
unhappy sign of modern
economical times, that a bank
owned by the Austrian Socialist
trade-union lost billions in hedge-
fund trading. Another millstone
around the Social-Democrats neck
is the fact after the war, the party
unlike the conservatives, did not
restrict membership from former
members of the Nazi-Party. At the
There are several aspects that make time, and right until the time of
the 1999 Austrian elections and its Bruno Kreisky (himself a Jew who
aftermath a universal theme. was tortured under the Nazis) saw
this second chance as a way of
a) political legacies rehabilitating Nazis, or denazifying
the country. Kreisky is well known
The Social-Democrats under Viktor for his personal clashes against
Klima, Alfred Gusenbauer and now Simon Wiesenthal concerning
Werner Fayman had difficulties dealing with Austria's Nazi past.
claiming the moral high ground for Unfortunately, several high profile
their party. Public opinion agree
Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
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Nazis used the Social Democratic and militants feel comfortable with
cover to escape justifying for their some conservative concessions,
crimes. The most prominent figure others see a grand coalition as a
was Dr Gross who did experiments forced marriage. Having said that,
on mentally ill children at the the success or failure of a grand
Spiegelgrund Hospital during the coalition depends on the
war. Viktor Klima ruled out any personalities in charge. In 1999, a
possibility of Social-Democrat social-democrat/conservative
coalition with the far-right Freedom coalition was not possible because
Party, and trained political historian the conservative candidate
Alfred Gusenbauer discussed his Wolfgang Schuessel ruled out
party's legacy. Their integrity has working with Viktor Klima. The
restored trust amongst the more biggest problem for the Social-
idealistic party supporters. The Democrats, apart from the BAWAG,
current Austrian president Heinz denationalisations and the current
Fischer who served under Kreisky financial crisis that is affecting the
leaves with the legacy that he global economy is whether to rule
tacitely supported Kreisky's views alone in a minority government
as he says, he doesn't like (they usually end up around
antagonising people. between 34 and 45%) or make
Another legacy is the Social- concessions to the Conservatives.
Democrat-Conservative coalition Currently, they are in a coalition
that ruled the country for many with the Conservatives.
years. While many party members

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membership to former members of


the Nazi party. This may also have
to do with the fact, that the Nazi
party persecuted many church
members as some catholics refused
to join the Nazi party. One of their
most controversial party members
however, turned out to be a former
Nazi who slipped through the net.
Kurt Waldheim had made it as far
The Conservatives (OVP) – The as Austrian president and UN
People's Party general secretary. In1999,
ambitious Wolfgang Schuessel
http://www.oevp.at became a controversial figure in
Wolfgang Schüssel Austria and abroad. Having refused
to be part of a coalition with Viktor
Klima's Social-Democrats, his party
Anchored in middle-class values worked with Haider's Freedom
with a strong support from the Party. Schuessel had to walk a
country-side, a brotherly tightrope between people in the
relationship with the Catholic party who refused to work with
church, the Conservatives have Haider – one of them was the then
ideologically remained the same
since the creation of the republic in
1955. They did not offer
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Grasser and Suzanne Riess-Passer


who came from the Liberal wing of
the Freedom Party. At the same
time, the Conservatives appointed
seasoned diplomat Benita Ferrero-
Waldner as foreign secretary and
Ernst Strasser as Home Secretary,
who at the time was seen as the
most liberal element of the
government. It is also to Strasser's
Thomas Klestil credit that the government
http://www.ena.lu/address_given_t normalised because the FPO
homas_klestil_austrias_role_europe agenda worried many Human
_london_february_1995- Rights organization, having a
020004600.html conservative Home Secretary and
Foreign Secretary would make
things easier for Schuessel. In
president (and jazz singer Joe recent years, Strasser position
Zawinul's friend) Thomas Klestil. It became more hardline, but less
is to Klestil's credit that the than feared. Nowadays, Ferrero-
government treaded cautiously on Waldner is a European
diplomatic grounds, Schuessel's commissioner and her diplomatic
coalition partner the Freedom Party background serves her well. The
proposed new faces like Karl-Heinz most controversial recent figure in

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the Conservative party was It is a breakaway group that left the


Karlheinz Grasser who switched Freedom Party because whilst they
over from the Freedom Party in agreed with the economic policies
2002. The government's finance comparable to other European
secretary was admired for his Liberal Parties, they did not want to
achievements at such a young age associate with the right-wing social
(he was born in 1969), however, his aspect of it. Currently they
neo-con policies were as cooperate with the Social-
controversial as his involvement in Democratic party and they have
the BAWAG finance scandal. He only one candidate in the
retired from politics in 2007 to parliament.
work for the MAGNA mining group.
In 2006, Schussel announced that
his party would not work with the
Freedom party (now split into two
parties), and this opened the doors
again for a social-
democrat/conservative coalition,
especially now that everyone from
the 1999 constellation has left their
position, and this been so since The Green Alternative are an older
2006. party who appeared in 1986. They
protested against Kurt Waldheim's
appointment as presidential
The Liberal Forum is relatively new. candidate. They have steadily

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grown into the now third biggest nor the Conservatives nor the Social
Austrian party with 21 seats in the Democrats were prepared to enter
parliament. They are one of the a coalition with either far-right
biggest green party in Europe. party.
Strache's party netted 34 seats and
The Freedom Party split in 2006 his party faces the same situation
into two parties: The Alliance for as the Future for Austria. In the
Austria's Future led by Haider and wake of Haider's death, a re-
the new Freedom Party led by Karl unification between the two far-
Heinz Strache. The Alliance for right parties was expected but this
Austria's future features people who never happened. Strache's party
have been involved with seems to attract protest voters who
Schuessel's government: Herbert are disillusioned with the Social-
Haupt former Social Secretary, Peter Democrats
Westenthaler who was spokesman,
Ursula Haubner who is Haider's The lesson that we can learn from
sister. It is believed that the party this aspect of Austrian politics is
wooed floating voters away from that parties need to identify what
the Conservatives. They gained 21 they stand for, find the candidates
seats at the last election. Haider to win the election and have
saw the 2006 election as another enough diplomacy to collaborate
stab at him becoming chancellor in with partners of choice and not lose
a coalition with the new Freedom touch with their base and the
Party, however, neither the Greens,

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
29

public. It is also important to keep big parties whose seat


an eye on protest- and floating representation veers between 57
voters. and 20 seats. Any kind of coalition
It is a sign that politics lose touch is possible if the combined total is
with the public, when the biggest over 92.
party in an election is the one that
does not have a candidate: the Currently, there is a grand coalition
abstentionists. It is a right not to between the party that came first
vote, but also a squandered (57 seats – Social Democrats) and
opportunity. the second (51 seats –
Conservatives).
Proportional representation
In 1999, the situation was different.
In Austria, there is a simple The Social Democrats had 65 seats,
majority system. Other countries, the Conservatives 52, the Freedom
like France have a system of party 52 and the Greens 14. Viktor
absolute majority. Theoretically, the Klima's Social-Democrats could not
party that gets the most votes at reach 92 seats with the Greens, and
the legislative election forms the the Schuessel's conservatives would
government. It is possible for the not work with him. Klima ruled out
leading party to govern on its own, a coalition with Haider's Freedom
however, since parliament has 183 party upfront. However, the
seats, it is difficult to pass Freedom Party and the Conservative
legislation if, say, the leading party Party seats combined totalled 104
has 57 seats. Austria has now five

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
30

and therefore they could form a hardliners are likely to be


viable coalition. disappointed with their party's
performance, they feel the ideology
There are certain problems working gets watered down. What made the
within a coalition. For examples, party under Viktor Klima unpopular
ideological differences on specific with traditional social-democrat
issues can lead to a crisis, the voters was its adoption of the Third
coalition break-up or even a party Way, less left-wing traditional
break up. All these aspects themes and more modern
happened with the Schussel approach. Nationalised industries
government: there were personal were denationalised and the Trade
differences between government Unions had less influence – than
ministers, the coalition broke up in and talks about economic efficiency
2002, yet was re-elected and in as if the country was a business to
2006 the Freedom Party split into run. Many disaffected voters from
the New Freedom Party and the the Social-Democrat camp say that
Alliance for Austria's Future. they cannot identify with the
people in government. Hence the
A party that governs with a phenomenon of floating, protest
coalition may also lose touch with and abstentionist voters. A party in
their militants. Elections are all government is likely to bring
about standing out from other disappointment anyway, because
parties, whereas coalition is about budget limitations and global
cooperation and compromise. Party economics may tie their hands and

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
31

force them to make unpopulat right has been a product of the


decisions. Militants also see the democratic voting system. Such
government behaving more like a people and parties thrive on the
manager, a civil servant – although vacuum created when established
most people aknowledge that a parties move away from their
government is meant to serve the tradition or fail to address issues of
whole country. concern. One can well imagine a
situation where a far-right, a
When coalitions are efficient, the fundamentalist or any extreme
electorate is complacent enough to party may be able to seize power. It
keep voting traditionally. However, takes a majority in parliament to do
members of the electorate may feel so. As we can see, a total of 92
alienated, even betrayed, if the seats enables the government to
party strays too far from their pass legislation. If such parties gain
original manifesto – in fact, when respectability, and such parties like
the coalition partners become the new Freedom Party and the
virtually interchangeable. "What Alliance for the Future of Austria
difference does it make?" - casting a are no longer populated by
protest vote is meant to give a members of the Nazi party, simply
wake-up call for the party to re- because of the fact that most of
examine their identity. them are dead. However, we could
see in Werner Schneyder's essay
The rise of populists like Haider how in Haider's the Nazi ideology
and the electoral rise of the far- was passed on to him by his

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
32

mentors and parents. Although find many more. Such governments


Haider was not a Nazi himself, struggle to find diplomatic
some watered down aspects of the recognition and international trust,
ideology was passed onto the even though Pinochet's had allies
Freedom Party. If far-right ideology amongst neo-con politicians.
becomes casual and voting for a
party that has far-right inclination In Europe, the AKP- an Islamist
will no longer raise eyebrows at party won the elections in Turkey,
home nor abroad. It is up to us - while the far-right Nationalist
the electorate - to decide how much movement came third. If a
we are able to compromise. Same controversial party is
applies to fundamentalism and democratically elected, it will be
extremism. How far do we want a regarded as more legitimate than a
religious party, an ideological party government imposed by force, even
or a nationalist party to go on our if diplomatic relations are strained.
behalf? Voters need to be aware of which
parties they validate with their
Many extreme parties have gained votes. Of course, a party with an
power via revolutions or coups. apparently worrying agenda may
Some remember how General turn out to lead a stable and fair
Pinochet overthrew Salvador government but it is a bit of a
Allende's government in Chile in gamble to bank on that.
September 1973. This is only one
post-1945 example and we could

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
33

Democracy and Human Rights Montesquieu argued for a


separation of powers: the
The word democracy comes from government, parliament and court
the ancient Greek language. In the of justice need to be separated if
5th BC the city state of Athens was the country is to get a fair deal.
governed by its people who elected This is called the balance of
representatives. At that time, the powers. In the 19th Century, there
notion of democracy combined was the concept of nation states or
with human rights did not exist. In people who wanted to emancipate
our days, the definition of themselves from an Empire or be
democracy as a regime elected by part of a wider nation.
the people with separation of Pangermanism and Panslavism was
powers and respect of human the desire respectively to unite all
rights is still controversial. the German-speaking people
and/or the Slavonic people.
Some people have pointed at Haider's motto for his Freedom
democracy as an imperfect regime party and also the title of his book
because it can in effect mean a "The Freedom that I mean" stems
tyranny by a majority, if the from quote during the 1848 people
majority party governs in such a protest by pan-Germans who
way as not to allow free speech or wanted to form a nation. Germany
opposition politics. During the age was created in 1871, Italy the same
of the Enlightenment (18th C), year, and Yugoslavia – all these
political philosopher Charles de countries are nation-states: they

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
34

unite a group of people who feel and their families have been voting
they are part of the same for social-democratic or socialist
communities. Certain ideas from the parties, whereas more traditional-
the right-wing camp are anchored minded families voted for
in nationalism. Other nations have conservatives. The lowering of the
patriotic ideas, and by that they voting age brought younger voters.
mean that they want to preserve
the culture within their own country The notion that democracy is
and to protect their border – associated with the respect of
however a patriot accept the idea human rights came forth after the
of a multicultural state. Many Second World War. The NSDAP in
traditional Austrians, especially the Germany was democratically
Conservatives are patriotic, because elected in 1933 and not only took
of the older history of their country the country into a World War, but
as a multilingual state. also committed genocide against a
minority and violently silenced the
Only in the late 19th C/ early 20th opposition. The consensus came
century was it possible for the that this was not allowed to happen
lower classes and women to have a again, therefore when the Universal
say in politics. This means that a Declaration of Human Rights
groups of voters became available. declared the intrinsic rights of
Traditionally, trade-union members individuals to equal rights and
and many city working class freedom, the ideas became
people, social housing tennants enshrined in most democracies. In

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
35

fact, a few countries had a bill of power, the diplomatic crisis in 2000
right in one form or another in their caused by the controversial choice
justice system or constitution. The of coalition could be averted. The
Universal Declaration of Human president Thomas Klestil was able
Rights has inspired countries to to exercise his power to veto
adapt their legislations to the against some Freedom Party
minimum standards expressed by members to become government
the document. A Declaration has no ministers and legislations had to
legal value but by aknowledging it, conform to the constitution.
there is a form of consensus by the
states. In Austria, Haider was effectively
barred from getting into
In Europe, there is a document government and his party had to
called The European Convention of solemnly acknowledge to respect
Human Rights (1950, plus five the constitution, and express the
protocols), it is a treaty that has desire to be at the service of all the
now been ratified by most voters, deal with the European
European states and therefore is Union and with other countries at
part of national legislation. diplomatic level. The legislation
had to conform to the constitution.
Because Austria ratified the The Conservative Home Secretary
European Convention of Human Mr Ernst Strasser was the only
Rights and has a constitution that cabinet minister who did not
provides checks and balances of condemn the Thursday

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
36

Demonstrations ( anti-Government Populism and celebrity


protests that were held every
Thursday throughout the country); Populism and celebrity culture walk
by doing so he allowed free speech hand in hand. Politicians know that
by the opposition. The Freedom in order to appeal to their voters
party showed pragmatism in they need the popular touch,
government but lost touch with someone who can make inspiring
their base. As a trained legal speeches and be a poster boy
academic, Joerg Haider knew how above a slogan to advertise the
to operate within the Austrian legal party at its best. Electoral
system and constitution, that was campaigns have a lot in common
one of his strong points. with advertising, from heavy
rotation informercials to billboards,
The lesson that voters can learn pamphlets, public discussions and
from this is that we need to know public events. During the recent US
about the constitution or if our elections, president-elect Barack
country does not have one (= the Obama proved to have the common
UK), the jurisprudence and touch, the image and the substance
legislation so that we can be sure behind it. The result was that a
that there are enough legal majority of representatives elected
safeguards to prevent abuses of him (US presidential elections are
power from elected parties aka the indirect). Competent people who
much dreaded tyranny by majority, draft ideologies, economic policies,
do budget calculations to

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
37

determine public spending will be therefore ruling it out of a possible


seen rather as experts than leaders coalition. Had he done that, he
themselves. In the 1999 Austrian would have been able to stay in
elections, Chancellor Viktor Klima power. His gesture was seen as
delivered competent speeches noble and he was regarded as a
being able to explain economics to graceful loser. From a celebrity
his audiences – all credits to him viewpoint, some members of the
for that because few people are public empathised with his
able to make comprehensible disillusions. His background in
speeches about that subject matter. economics secured him a job at the
Economics however is not the most Argentine branch of Volkswagen
fascinating subject – this may have the car manufacturer, this was not
changed now because people want an enviable position because
to know all about the credit crunch Argentina was in a deep economic
and the financial markets and how crisis. Nowadays he is general
this affects their jobs, house prices manager of the South American
and savings... Klima was seen as a division of Volkswagen and is
competent economist and highly regarded because of his
competent administrator, this is success He became a bit of a
why his party won the most seats. media celebrity when he divorced
Perversely what made him popular his wife, and his health problems
is what caused his downfall: his caused by his heavy smoking – he
refusal to ideologically compromise has now quit smoking.
with Haider's Freedom party and

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
38

for his integrity and intellect, even


though these qualities did not
make him a leader. Gusenbauer's
party lost the election in 2002 and

Michael Hauepl – Vienna Mayor and


considered to be Werner Faymann's
mentor www.wienweb.at

won it in 2006, yet he was unable


in the end to unify the Social
Democrats and therefore prove
himself as a strong leader. He
resigned in 2008 and his successor
Werner Fayman was sworn in on
December 2nd. He seems to be keen
on unifying his party and, his
By the same token, Alfred advantage is that he is well-known
Gusenbauer - his successor as party in the capital because he was
leader in 2000 was the right person involved in Viennese municipal
at the right time for the party. politics, he is not encumbered by a
Being in the opposition gave his personal legacy and seems to
party the opportunity of taking a makes speeches that appeal to his
step back and analyse its identity. party's main voters. Mario Telo,
Mr Gusenbauer will be remembered Political Science editor in Brussels,

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
39

explained that Faymann


campaigned using populist rethoric
and collaborating with the media.
In fact, The Krone is the strongest
populist newspaper and likes to
think of itself as an opinions-
shaper, by explaining that he is not
a yes-man for the European Union,
Faymann exploited the current anti-
European climate in Austria with
Werner Fayman on the right.
the aim to woo back disgruntled Photo:www.wienweb.at
voters who voted for Haider. His
use of words like social justice, The ideal democratic candidate
fairness name-checking of US would respect democratic ideals,
president elect Barack Obama are a have integrity, say the right things
populist approach. Like Obama, at the right time, have a popular
Faymann seems to have emerged touch and an untarnished
from nowhere (he used to be reputation and be able to look
transport secretary) and he is good in the media, be able to get
certainly more popular than the maximum support and have
less media-savvy rather gruff Alfred personality, be able to work with
Gusenbauer. It remains to see how different groups within the country
much substance he can put now and abroad, delegated and appoint
that he is Chancellor. the right people and be extremely

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
40

competent. This is what we expect problems and divorce seemed


from a perfect political candidate better fodder than his speeches on
and if he is from our favourite economics. With Wolfgang
party, even better. Problems for our Schuessel there were photo
party start when the others find a opportunities with him playing the
popular candidate. cello with his family and quaint
holiday pictures that fit well in the
Personally, I think, it is better to human interest section. The media
vote for someone with integrity laments that the politicians in the
rather than being dazzled by old days were more flamboyant
charisma, and taking the populist that the current lot. The
bait. It is not so much a gamble if controversial larger than life Bruno
the celebrity is from our own party Kreisky or the dapper Helmut Zilk.
because if this person strays, we Life is difficult for a paper like The
hope that the colleagues will Kronen-Zeitung and the politicians
replace him. If it is someone from a who want to use it for exposure.
party we do not know, then the The public needs to be aware that
celebrity vote becomes a gamble. media omnipresence is not
equivalent with popularity or
Because celebrities know how to power. If this was the case,
manipulate the media, they court it everyone on the front page would
and they are courted. A flamboyant be a well-loved popular person or
character will always provide a at least someone who has some
good story. Viktor Klima's health clout. Celebrities from A to Z are

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
41

just famous or infamous and they or the most dangerous far-right


feature in our populist papers politician. The fact that people
because they appeal to the lowest abroad tend to associate Austria
common denominator. The lowest with Haider shows how far his
common denominator is not repute has reached internationally.
necessarily a bad thing, we are all Apart from Arnold Schwarnenegger
in a favour of a fairer society, the expat Austrian, he is the most
peace, love, social justice etc. As famous contemporary citizen of his
Werner Fayman's campaign country. Because of his infamous
partially proved: blandness and celebrity status, one could really
populism works, his party still came believe he was ruling Austria. And I
first albeit not convincingly. hope that the essays show once
Compared to Klima, Gusenbauer, and for all, that he didn't. It was
Schuessel and Faymann and their probably his wishful thinking.
colleagues across the spektrum,
Joerg Haider was a mine for media Haider was certainly cut to bring
stories and that is why he was a his points across. His legal
bona-fide celebrity politician. academic training taught him how
to argue his case and he was an
With celebrities, after a while, it excellent debater on TV. His
becomes difficult to distinguish flamboyant personality never failed
myth from reality. Depending from to attract the populist media and
the perspective Haider was either have the less-populist media focus
the man on the pulse of the nation on him and analyze him. Some

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
42

cheeky voters certainly felt Nazi. He was neither the saviour


Schadenfreude when they saw the nor the villain of Austrian politics.
frustration on his opponents faces. The two-dimensional images
It was a blessing in disguise that focusing more on his clothes would
the celebrity politician was so not really ellaborate on his
enamoured with his own image language skills (he spoke several
that he believed his own hype and languages fluently). His desire to be
the media circus, and also a famous ensured that he was
blessing in disguise that he was perceived as shallow. Politics as
busy recruiting fans rather than fame nor as day to day affairs of
political militants, that he failed in the city, yet he was a competent
carrying his party's message across regional leader of Carinthia, neither
effectively. Snappy soundbites and bankrupting the place nor making
photo opportunities do not provide it a paradise to live in. There was
enough time to explain Andreas too much populism in his speech
Moelzer's views on multiculturalism and like all the other politicians he
that form the backbone of the could not fulfill all his promises. His
Freedom party. party colleagues saw him more and
more like front, a dummy to get
A celebrity tends to appear more their party elected via the celebrity
and more like a two-dimensional route. Without Haider, their job will
character. There is no doubt that be more difficult even though they
Haider was an intelligent man, and will continue to net floating and
no doubt either that he was not a disgruntled voters from the main

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
43

coalition parties if Mr Faymann and it is associated with right-wing


Co disappoint their voters. politics and some people will also
start associating it with Nazis. Like
The lesson to be learnt for us voters Most countries and their citizens
is this: we should not be distracted are keen to receive tourists,
by media hype, flashy websites, enhance their trade, do business
pleasing words, fancy photos, and diplomatic/cultural profile.
soundbites, billboards, stories or Austria is no different, and we must
flamboyant personality. We have to keep in mind, that far-right parties
be aware that when we vote for a in Austria have less support than
politician we vote for the party that they think. They can't rely on
this person represents. If this protest and floating voters and as
person gets elected, they will try to we said before the majority party is
enforce their party manifesto and the non-party of abstentionists.
ideology.

It is up to us to check these people


and their parties if they are good
for us as citizens and good for our
country. One good reason not to
vote for Haider's freedom party and
the current parties that succeeded
it is the fact that Austria's
reputation suffers internationally if

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
44

conclusion parties. It makes more sense to tell


our own party what they have done
These are the lessons to be learnt to annoy us the public by giving
from the story of the Celebrity them precise freedback – because
Politician. At human level, there was in a democracy we are perfectly
a tragic car accident that lead to entitled to ask questions and not
the death of a man who was only when it is election time. Of
visiting his mother after a few course, should not expect miracles
drinks with his friends. It is and we need to stay informed.
important not to create a myth, nor Democracy is not just for politicians
to demonise people. This long and academics and media, as its
essay about political lessons to name says, it means all the people
learn is to demonstrate that it is in the country.
important for all of us citizens from
our respective countries to In my opinion, the most important
participate in the political life. lesson to be learnt from the
Austrian 1999 election that is
We need to think about the rise of relevant and topical to any country
far-right, fundamentalist or extreme is this: The fastest growing party
parties within the democratic and now biggest party of all in
process and work out in our minds democracies is the League of
whether we genuinely associate Abstentionists. Unlike the other
with their ideas or whether we are parties, it is not organized, it has no
annoyed with our traditional militants, no candidates, no

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
45

programme, no ideologies except the ballot box and leave the party
the idea of staying at home when of Abstentionism. The biggest
it's election time. The League of danger for democracy is apathy
Abstentionists has therefore never and disinformation. I started this
been in power and never will be. article with a book that I bought in
How frustrating is that. We saw the 2002 when I lived in Vienna, now I
frustration of the Social-Democratic am in the UK and therefore shall
party that came first yet did not get conclude with a quote I saw at the
to rule the country. Eight years later British Library that commemorates
they did, The League of their current exhibition about
Abstentionists cannot console itself human rights:"People died for the
with the hope of ever having a say right to vote, so why do more
in how the country is run. young people vote during X-factor
than the General Election". From
Generations before us strived for Taking Liberties – The Struggle for
the right to participate in the Britain's Freedom and Rights. 2008
political affairs of the country. If we
value democracy, human rights, our
voting rights and want to go on
living in democracies voting for our
traditional parties – Conservatives,
Social democrats, Greens, Liberals
etc etc – then we need to stop
gazing at stars and starlets, go to

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
46

about the Author

Dominique Hoffman –

born 1966 in Constance Germany,


Franco-German writer,
photographer, translator. Lived in
Vienna from 2000 to 2003. M.A. In
Applied Foreign Languages
(Commerce and International Law).
Second prize of Austrian European
Social-Democrat Bureau for Europe
the music plays here (2001),
Bohemian Tales Decalogue (fiction)
2008 and the website zebras54
radioevropa
www.geocities.com/zebras54 since
2002 featuring photos and articles.

lives in Belfast.

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections
47

Dominique Hoffman – Werner Schneyder's Fullfilling my duty /Lessons to be learnt from the 1999 Austrian Elections

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