Elections for the state parliament, municipal council, and 23 district councils will be held today in Vienna. Many parties, including the ruling SPÖ (Social Democratic Party of Austria) led by Mayor Dr. Michael Ludwig has run an intense campaign.

Berivan Aslan, a Member of Parliament for the Austrian Green Party, and Heidi Sequenz, a Member of the Vienna Green Party and City Councilor, spoke to ANF about the importance of these elections.

Heidi Sequenz is running third on the list for the Vienna State Parliament and municipal elections. She said that she has shown solidarity with the Kurdish people since her youth. Sequenz said: "At a young age in Krems, I started distributing brochures about the Kurdish issue. I participated as an independent observer in the Turkish elections. I also attended a conference in Strasbourg focused on the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and the improvement of his detention conditions."

'If you don't vote, others will decide for you'

Speaking about her visit to Northern and Eastern Syria as part of a delegation,  Sequenz said: "In Rojava, over the past decade, a modern, democratic, secular, and feminist societal model has been developing. I was deeply impressed by the way women work together. The freedoms provided for women should serve as an example for the entire Middle East. The Green Party is a party that focuses on the environment and human rights. I contribute to this struggle by specifically advocating for the rights of Kurdish and Iranian communities. The efforts to build a feminist and secular society in Rojava can inspire the whole Middle East.2

Sequenz said that, together with MP Berivan Aslan, they have submitted various motions in parliament concerning Turkey and the Kurdish issue.

Sequenz addressed voters, saying: "Make sure to vote. If you don't participate, others will make decisions for you."

'We must make our voices heard'

Berivan Aslan, Member of Parliament for the Austrian Green Party, criticized Europe’s stance on human rights violations, saying that merely expressing concern and watching events unfold with sadness is not enough. Stronger political reactions are necessary, she said, adding: "In recent years in Europe, we have seen a tendency to merely express concern over human rights violations. However, wherever they occur in the world, it is necessary to take clearer and more concrete steps against human rights violations. Many fundamental values are being destroyed, from freedom of the press to the erosion of democracy and the weakening of the rule of law. It is not enough to merely be saddened; it is essential to respond politically with greater strength. Europe has tied itself to economic prosperity. When it comes to human rights and democracy, it fails to show a sufficiently courageous political stance. Politics should not be conducted solely based on economic interests. Otherwise, greater losses in freedoms and human rights could occur."

Highlighting the importance of Kurdish political representation in Austria, Aslan said:
"The Kurds are like the orphaned children of the world. Throughout history, they have been constantly ignored, and their voices have been suppressed. Therefore, it is essential for them to be active in politics in order to bring their issues to the agenda and work toward solutions. No one will speak for the Kurds; we must make our voices heard ourselves. Having more Kurdish representatives in politics would be a major gain, not only for Kurds but also for the universal struggle for human rights."

'Strengthening the Green Party will pave the way for a democratic coalition'

Aslan emphasized the importance of tomorrow’s elections, highlighting the following points: "These elections are of vital importance, especially for communities with migrant backgrounds because they do not have powerful states backing them. If we do not use our democratic rights, we allow others to decide our fate. Currently, right-wing parties are gaining strength in the polls. The increased support for racist and neoliberal policies will directly and negatively affect migrants, workers, and laborers. It means more social injustice and more discrimination. Going to the polls and voting is essential not just to protect today, but also our future.

Strengthening the Green Party will pave the way for a democratic coalition. If there are those who do not wish to vote for the Greens, they can support other leftist parties such as the KPÖ or LINKS. What matters is ensuring that forces standing for democracy, equality, and human rights are represented in parliament."