PR consultant Rudi Fußi wants to be the new leader of the SPÖ. On Wednesday he announced that he had collected the necessary 14,000 signatures for a vote against Andreas Babler. Furthermore, Fußi launched an all-out attack against Babler and the SPÖ and confessed his life.
AUSTRIA. “Unfortunately there is no way for us to check whether all of these 14,100 people who signed from all parts of the republic are members of the SPÖ,” explained Fußi. Federal management refused to allow him to compare data with the member list. However, the PR consultant noted that two-thirds provided a membership number.
Fußi explained that he would continue to collect signatures and asked at the press conference that people would join the SPÖ and support him accordingly. He named December 16 as the deadline for handing in the signatures, although the date could also be postponed if a very high number of signatures were received. The PR consultant also suggested that his legal representatives accompany the subsequent evaluation. He also announced that if he won, the SPÖ would be renamed “The New Reds”.
Fussi confesses his life
The SPÖ leadership accused Fußi of carrying out a smear campaign against him and of passing his medical records to editorial offices. The PR consultant then explained that he had been suffering from chronic rheumatism since his twenties and had taken painkillers at first before switching to regular cannabis use. Fussi admitted that he wears between ten and 15 articles a day sometimes. He also suffers from adult ADHD, which he also treats with medication.
He also said he was a “vaccination victim” of an mRNA vaccine and was divorcing her husband. Fussi stressed that he treated his husband badly, cheated on him and was “physically abusive” in his youth. The PR consultant then apologized to all the people he wronged and made it clear: “If I admit my mistakes, I demand the same from Andreas Babler. And he knows what mistakes he made.”
All-out attack on Babler and party leaders
He then personally attacked Babler. It is not clear to Fußi whether the SPÖ leader met the requirements to study at the Danube University Krems. The PR consultant also criticized his work and his “worship of Stalin”. “Anyone who worships a mass murderer, whether Hitler or Stalin, has no place in the Social Democratic Party,” Fussi said. The PR consultant did not skip criticism from the other party leaders, “who together have worked in the private sector for less years than someone who is 25 or 30 years old and stands behind the sausage counter at Billa .” He also predicted that the coalition negotiations between the ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS would end in the next 14 days.
Economy, migration and friendship economy
Fußi explained that the SPÖ had to become a working party again “and not the party of the unemployed.” He then summed up what “The New Reds” should stand for. He wants to focus on the economy, “otherwise we will hit the wall.” In order to restore the budget and create economic growth, he is demanding that the corporate tax be reduced and that the bureaucracy be “reduced”.
He also wants a “restrictive migration policy” with a maximum limit of 5,000 asylum applications per year. It is also time to make a determined fight against the welfare economy. Fussi called for a separate federal ministry against corruption and evil.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Rudi Fußi, PR Consultant and SPÖ Leader Candidate
Time.news Editor: Good day, Rudi Fußi. Thank you for joining us today. You’ve recently announced your candidacy for the leadership of the SPÖ and collected over 14,000 signatures. How has this process been for you?
Rudi Fußi: Thank you for having me. The response has been overwhelming! Collecting the signatures is just the first step. It shows that there’s a significant portion of our membership who are looking for change—a change that I believe is necessary for the future of the SPÖ.
Editor: Speaking of change, you’ve laid out some criticisms against the current leader, Andreas Babler. Can you elaborate on your main concerns?
Fußi: Absolutely. I feel that Babler has failed to meet the expectations of our party. My main criticism lies in his questionable qualifications and ideological stances, which I believe do not align with the values of our membership. For instance, his past comments that appear to idolize Stalin raise serious moral questions about his suitability as a leader. A Social Democratic party figure should not worship a mass murderer.
Editor: That’s a strong assertion. How has the party responded to your attacks, particularly regarding your personal disclosures about your health and past?
Fußi: The SPÖ leadership has accused me of conducting a smear campaign, but that’s not my intention. I decided to be open about my chronic illnesses, my history of medication, and personal struggles because I believe honesty fosters authenticity. If I’m going to lead, I need to take responsibility for my past and encourage others, including Babler, to reflect on theirs.
Editor: Your admission of being a ‘vaccination victim’ has also made headlines. Can you share more about that and how it ties into your candidacy?
Fußi: Yes, my experiences with medical treatments—and the challenges that come with them—have shaped my worldview. I believe in a system that acknowledges individuals’ struggles and treats everyone with compassion. As a potential leader, I aim to create an environment where personal hardships are understood and addressed—not swept under the rug.
Editor: In your recent statements, you proposed renaming the party to “The New Reds.” What does this represent for you?
Fußi: “The New Reds” symbolizes a revitalization of our core values. It’s about returning to the roots of social democracy, standing firmly for the working class, and aligning our actions with progressive ideals. I want to attract new members who resonate with that vision, which is why I’ve urged others to join and support my candidacy.
Editor: Many observers are keen on the future direction of coalition negotiations. You’ve predicted significant changes in the SPÖ’s alliances in the near future. What insights can you provide on that?
Fußi: I foresee that the current coalition talks among ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS may not yield the fruitful outcomes that are being projected. The SPÖ needs to take a bold stance and position itself as a true opposition party if it hopes to regain trust and popularity. In these negotiations, we must prioritize the needs of our constituents over political survival.
Editor: what message would you like to convey to the SPÖ members and the general public as you campaign for leadership?
Fußi: I want to assure our members and the public that I am committed to transparency, accountability, and a fresh vision for the future. This is not just about one person’s ambition—it’s about reviving the party and representing the voices of the people. I invite everyone to join me on this journey towards “The New Reds.” Our success will depend on unity and collective action.
Editor: Thank you, Rudi Fußi, for sharing your thoughts and vision with us today. We wish you the best of luck in your campaign.
Fußi: Thank you for the opportunity to speak. Let’s make the SPÖ a party that truly represents the needs and aspirations of its members again!