Even the setting of the interview made it abundantly clear that the incumbent takes on a different role than his competitors for the presidency. Alexander Van der Bellen is currently in New York at the UN General Assembly and was connected from there. Standing above the daily headlines, he also presented his answers in the interview.
You know him and his work over the past five years, so there is no need for a discussion with the competitors, Van der Bellen once again defended the decision not to be available for a TV duel: “None of mine has that either predecessor who ran for a second term.” The fact that his poll numbers are falling – most recently to 59 percent compared to 66 percent in August – does not scare him: “I’m not afraid of anything.” A majority on October 9 would make him “very happy”.
Van der Bellen also made a clear effort to set himself apart from his competitors when explaining his understanding of his office: “It’s not the task of a Federal President to fuel the general level of excitement.” This is especially true in times of crisis. In this role you have to think very carefully about what you say publicly and what privately: “Often it is even more effective to speak privately and openly than in front of the cameras.”
The fact that he will be 79 when he takes up his second post is no reason for him to think about retirement: “This office demands everything from you, but I enjoy it in a way.” His energy is “completely” sufficient to “shape well” the next few years.
Source: Nachrichten
