Van der Bellen Urges Defense of Austrian Values

President Alexander Van der Bellen marked the 80th Bregenzer Festspiele by calling on citizens to defend democracy and core national values.

During the 80th anniversary opening of the Bregenzer Festspiele, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen called on Austrians to defend their country and its democratic foundations. He identified freedom, equality, human dignity, the rule of law, humanity, and responsibility as Austria's essential pillars. Warning against simple answers to complex problems, he emphasized that liberal democracy requires patience, respect, compromise, and courage. Van der Bellen stated that political culture begins by refusing to make others look contemptible, noting that respect is contagious. Having previously addressed Chancellor Nehammer regarding definitions of normalcy, the President highlighted Austria's strength in reinventing itself after disasters.