A coffee with Clemens Brandstetter

Tips:You separated from the federal party “Wandel” at the beginning of July – what was the reason for that?

Brandstetter: There were different opinions at various levels, and we could no longer work well together. As in a relationship, sometimes it makes sense to go your separate ways. The name “Independent Platform Linz” is a placeholder and we are currently working intensively internally on how we want to approach the second half of the legislative period. Our motto and our promise that we want to work critically and constructively on the future of the city of Linz – that will remain the case. The same goes for our content: social justice, democracy and transparency and the environment and public space design.

Tips: You also often get involved in the topic of mobility – what do you demand for Linz here?

Brandstetter: The cycling system needs improvement on many levels – it’s a patchwork and often dangerous. Just as the body has the spine as a supporting element, the city of Linz needs a high-capacity route because it is so long. In the south of Linz you also wait forever for a bus and the trams are mostly overcrowded. In addition, some parts of the city are really poorly connected to the public transport network. The SPÖ, ÖVP and FPÖ have cheered out funds for federal projects such as the Westring, but there is no money left for core municipal tasks such as good public transport.

Tips: How do you position yourself on the issue of green belts and IT:U?

Brandstetter: The main problem is that in a project like this, where long-term infrastructure decisions and investments are involved, the location was not discussed. That is a major error in the process. Everyone knows that there are much better alternatives with the Postcity etc. But once the train starts moving and you stop it, the project will have failed. For this reason, the SPÖ and ÖVP are turning a blind eye and just getting on with it and now want to repurpose it somehow. That is absurd. Linz would be much better off if this were implemented somewhere else.

Tips: Do young people in Linz feel connected to politics?

Brandstetter: That’s difficult to answer because everyone thinks a little differently. But, and this is a call to young people: I believe that you have a lever for change in city politics or in your environment. Changing the geopolitical situation in the world is difficult. But you can campaign for more bathing opportunities on the Danube or for better public transport to Pichling. That’s how you can get involved in politics and bring a breath of fresh air.

Tips: What do you like about Linz and where is there potential for improvement?

Brandstetter: I especially like the Danube and its cool refreshment – I spent my youth at the leaning tree on the beach in Urfahr. I think there are also beautiful places on the Traun etc. This city on the river is something very positive about Linz that I really appreciate, but at the same time I think there is a lot more potential there.I think that there is something about this industrial romance and the Voest red in the sky that always gives me the feeling of a vibrant city. And what I also like about Linz is that it is in the heart of Europe – even if it is not a huge city, Linz’s location makes it predestined to be a crossroads of Europe.

I see the main potential for improvement in public transport, mobility, cycling and the design of public spaces.