WASHINGTON, D.C. — Green Party leaders in the U.S. enthusiastically congratulated Alexander Van der Bellen on his victory in a runoff election for President of Austria.
Mr. Van der Bellen, former Green Party leader in Austria, ran as an independent candidate with Green Party support and financial backing. The Austrian election outcome, announced on May 23, has been recognized in European media as a Green victory.
“Alexander Van der Bellen’s victory is inspiring for Greens everywhere and for all those who care about the environment, democracy, and justice,” said Bahram Zandi, co-chair of the Green Party of the United States and co-chair of the party’s International Committee. “We’re especially pleased to see that he defeated a right-wing anti-immigrant extremist in a close race.”
U.S. Greens encouraged Mr. Van der Bellen to continue opposing dangerous trade pacts like the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and to fight for the rights of working people and against austerity and NATO belligerence.