Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen (78) announces his new candidacy in an almost two-minute video entitled “Being there for our Austria”. He is following a new trend: it is now common to announce resignations and candidatures via social media. The video is emotional and contains some political messages. There is also talk of “home” and “our beloved Austria”.
The office of Federal President is “an exciting task”, emphasizes the head of state. “You have to love surprises – no one can prepare you for what awaits you there.” We lived “in a transitional period – nothing can be taken for granted anymore and we have to stand up for what is important to us every day anew.” And: “Things like Ibiza are almost forgotten today.”
Van der Bellen believes it will remain challenging. “Nationalists will seize power if we let it.” It will be a major task to preserve peace, social cohesion and nature.
He will “not rest” until he is sure “that we are all on the right track together,” Van der Bellen advertised and emphasized. “To be there for our Austria with all my life experience and strength – I can’t imagine anything more meaningful.”
“My name is Alexander Van der Bellen – I am running for the office of Austrian President and I ask for your support and your vote,” says Van der Bellen at the end of the clip. “I would like, if you agree, to do my part to ensure that the next few years will be good for all of us.”
