Die Grünen – Die Grüne Alternative Österreich
The Greens – The Green Alternative Austria
A Brief History (1986-2023)
Origins – Environmental Protests in Hainburg and Zwentendorf
The Austrian Greens (Die Grünen) can look back on a long history in the landscape of political movements in Austria, as their historical origin dates back to the growing interest in environmental topics in the 1970s. Significant formative events for the party were the successful protests against the activation of a nuclear power plant in Zwentendorf, Lower Austria, and against the construction of a hydroelectric power plant in the floodplains of Hainburg, a national park today.
History – A Strong Voice for Climate and Justice in Parliament
Out of these protests, the Austrian Greens eventually emerged as a party and first stood for election for the National Council of Austria in the year 1986. Under then party leader Freda Meissner-Blau, the party obtained 4,82 % of the vote, gaining 8 out of the 183 seats on the National Council. Since then, the Austrian Greens have taken part in numerous elections on the national and regional level and are represented in nearly all parliaments throughout the country. In 2016, former party leader Alexander Van der Bellen ran a successful campaign as an independent candidate in the race for the Austrian presidential office. He is currently serving his second term as the President of Austria.
After suffering a setback in 2017, when the party did not obtain the necessary percentage of votes to enter the National Council, the Austrian Greens made a brilliant comeback on the Austrian political scene in 2019. They not only achieved their best election results for the National Council to date (13,90 %) but were also able to enter a coalition government with the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) – the party’s first chance at government participation on the national level.
Green Government Participation – Shaping a Better and Greener Future for Austria
In the current coalition government (2019-2024), the Austrian Greens hold four ministerial positions as well as one position as secretary of state:
- Werner Kogler, Vice Chancellor and Minister for Arts, Culture, Civil Service and Sport
- Leonore Gewessler, Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology
- Alma Zadić, Minister for Justice
- Johannes Rauch, Minister for Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection
- Andrea Mayer, Secretary of State for Arts and Culture
During the party’s government participation, the Austrian Greens have been able to introduce numerous policies relating to climate action, environmental protection, anti-corruption measures, social justice, support for the arts and culture sector and various other issues. To name just a few of these successes, the party managed to introduce an affordable nationwide ticket for public transport, a progressive tax on carbon emissions, more restrictive laws against hate speech, a mandatory deposit on plastic bottles and cans, stricter laws on party spending and transparency, fair pay in the arts and culture field and the expansion of funding for solar panels amongst many other policies.
Green Values – The Basis of Green Work
Throughout it all, the work of the Austrian Greens has been based on six fundamental values, namely ecology, solidarity, self-determination, grassroots democracy, non-violence, and feminism. The Austrian Greens believe in achieving a brighter future for all. We will continue to fight for this future – both in Austria and, together with our partners, in Europe and the world. There is no planet B.
