Graz (OTS) – “Mit der Zustimmung zur ‘Transparenzdatenbank’ hat die SPÖ wieder einmal unter Beweis gestellt, dass auf sie kein Verlass ist. Das ist ein erneuter Kniefall vor den neoliberalen Sektierern, die in der ÖVP den Ton angeben”, ärgert sich Claudia Klimt-Weithaler, KPÖ-Klubobfrau im steirischen Landtag, über die Verknüpfung der Mindestsicherung mit der Einführung eines Transferkontos. Damit soll den Bezieherinnen und Beziehern von Transferleistungen wie Familienbeihilfe oder Wohnbeihilfe vor Augen geführt werden soll, welche Kosten sie verursachen. (more…)

Im Wein liegt die Wahrheit, und im Wasser die Bazillen

Volksmund
WIEN-Galinas Candid Photo Sammlung

KOMMUNISTISCHE GRAVITATION

Robert Sommer für Die Wiener Nachrichten
Excerpt from the book „Identity Lexicon“ by Robert Sommer – chief editor of Vienna street newspaper “Augustin”- presents story of his personality transformation – from participation in communist activities, including cooperation with Soviet communists and visits to Moscow – till his later liberal and denying any authorities views
Ich bin 22. Für meine Identität liegt eine Fremd- und eine Selbstbezeichnung vor. Die Fremdbezeichnung heißt Gammler. Die Selbstbezeichnung Hippie. Ich bin gegen das Establishment und ich bin unkorrumpierbar antiautoritär. (more…)

Liebes Graz, I always dreamed to come back and embrace you. At last after year of absence I managed to make the trip with the train and visited traditional festivity VOLKSHAUSFEST on 6 of September, organized by members of communist party – with food, drinks and music. The atmosphere was rather friendly. The provisions were not free, and activists served visitors themselves, earning in this way for needs of the party. Leaders of the movement, photographed by me in poor lighted conference hall (Bildungszentrum). Our home is where we are loved most. Graz always will be home for me.

Chef of styrian social-democrats is for coalition with ÖVP
Styrian SPÖ Governor Franz Voves has spoken up in support of governing coalition with the ÖVP.
Voves said: “I was and I am a supporter of this coalition. I think that it is the best solution for the next five-ten years.”
Franz Voves – former ice-hockey national team player refused to comment on whether the SPÖ should continue such cooperation in case it fails to receive the most votes in the 28 September election. Voves dismissed talk about possible election outcomes as mere speculation at the moment. In contrast to some other SPÖ leaders, the 55-year-old Voves stressed the point that he would not exclude any party from talks about a possible coalition. Voves expects that the SPÖ will be number one on 28 September due to new SPÖ leader Werner Faymann, which has beén “fantastic” in Styria.Austrian Times.
Russian _Съёмка Вернера Файмана
Shooting with social-democrats leader Werner Faymann
Вначале я ринулась на пресс-конференцию „зелёных“, где оказалась единственным фотографом. Все репортёры караулили у дверей штаб-квартиры социалистов, когда появится Файман.
Лидер „зелёных“ – симпатичный пожилой дяденька в красной кофточке. Рядом восседает его соратник и партийный активист, которого я видела на манифестации „голубых“. (more…)

Chancellor Gusenbauer canceled summer party

I am not in the mood to celebrate,- said Alfred Gusenbauer. He had canceled his traditional summer party. All of the invitations were forwarded, but Gusenbaeur changed his mind. Last year this event was a full success. One year later the situation is totally different. Gusenbauer seems to be at the low point of his political career. The party comrades are discussing his overthrow. The Socialdemocratic party in Austria is in a big crisis, and their chancellor got the blame for it. Gusenbauer cannot hide his anger and disappointment about this situation. This makes it impossible for him to host a fancy celebration, and smile into cameras. (more…)

Feeling distantly curious about the car, I had no any thought it could concern me. However, my eyes were fixed at the fire escape staircase leading on the roof of the building. I regretted being disobedient to Red Mistress. Moreover, my instincts told me I was in danger after talk with her.
Struggling with imperative to escape, I asked myself:
- What I am afraid of? Did I damage school property, steel money from the common safe or did I murder, harm or gave public insult to somebody? Why I must run and crawl like beast, seized with panic, if I know I am pure and innocent?
Three men in white gowns who appeared at the doors to interrupt my inner dispute. And without further explanations one of them – with sleeves turned up high above massive black-haired arms- told I must attend sort of psychological consultation instantly and drive there in ambulance car. The air this hospital attendant had did not give chance to resist or question. Escorted along corridors and downstairs I felt myself unreal. We crossed the yard, and before door of van closed behind me, I caught glimpse of yak chignon that flashed between curtains in one of school windows.
The car was moving on high speed toward secluded suburban areas of town, passed big park and arrived at barbwire-fenced territory. (more…)

Group of people in Mariahilfer Strasse, Vienna. That plump woman with hair standing on at her head looked rather funny. She addressed me with idea to get a few coins for drink
Zhanna
It was sunny spring of 1982. The university alley of apple and peach trees was all pink lace of blossoms. The air was fresh and clear. But I was ascending marble staircase of main building with monument of Great Chief at the top feeling chill in my heart.
I was first year philology student and had exam on history of communist party.
There were two sleepless nights before due to quantity of books to read, which added to feeling of emptiness inside.
The group of students gathered in corridor by the classroom where professor Zhanna – pride of Kyrgyz historical materialism and peril of neglecting freshmen was receiving exams. (more…)