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Silvia Janković is well on her way to becoming the first Serbian president of the Vienna municipality in the upcoming municipal and municipal elections, to be held on October 11. Silvia comes from a family of Serbian guest workers and, as she says from “Blic”, Vienna gave her a lot and entered politics to give back the union to society, and according to current polls, she has a better chance of becoming president of the municipality of Margareten in Vienna. Due to the current pandemic, he did not stay long in Serbia, but when his time and obligations allow, he prefers to go to the family home in Smederevo or rest in Zlatibor. In the interview for “Blic”, he talks about how he will run the municipality if elected, how much he is connected to the Serbian community in Vienna, how he describes Serbs and how they differ from Vienna …
Why did you decide to get involved in politics?
– I have lived in Margareten municipality (5th) for over 25 years and grew up in municipal apartments in Franz-Domes-Hof in Margaretengurtel. As the daughter of a “guest worker family”, “Red Vienna” offered me many opportunities. I want to give something back to society and be part of the continuation of the successful trip to Vienna. Whether it’s education, affordable housing, providing our public health system, or fighting for every job. The crisis caused by the Crown has shown once again how important a strong social democracy is to our city. Because, thanks to our public services, Vienna went through the crisis better than other cities where, for example, the health system fell victim to the frenzy of privatization.
And with specific measures such as the 50 Plus labor offensive, employment guarantees for young people and quick and bureaucratic assistance to Viennese companies, the SPÖ is fighting the rise in unemployment caused by the Crown crisis. Vienna is also a global role model when it comes to affordable housing: more than 60% of Viennese women and men live in municipal housing or subsidized housing. All of this is thanks to decades of social democratic politics and we continue to work on it. Vienna is in the best of hands with Mayor Dr. Michael Ludwig and I am proud to be part of his team.
If you are elected, and according to the polls, you have great possibilities, how are you going to lead the municipality, do you plan to introduce some innovations, what can citizens expect?
– I am committed to a municipality where we do not leave anyone in the lurch and where everyone has the opportunity for an affordable life. Our municipality is especially characterized by social diversity and social unity.
A high quality of life and a good neighborhood are especially important to me. That is why we recently opened a socializing center with our neighbors, “Gretl”. I would like to have even more public spaces without the pressure of consumption, for example, through the renovation of parks. I also want new municipal apartments for Margareten, new free schools all day in Castelligasse, as well as sports and entertainment activities that offer the women and men of Margaret the best quality of life. I defend a modern, cosmopolitan and social Margaret.
Do you have any specific plans or programs in regards to minorities, specifically the Serbian community?
– Basically, I am responsible for all the inhabitants of our municipality. One of my main tasks is to see our diversity in the municipality also as our strength. Strengthening multicultural coexistence can take place at different levels.
For example, I would like to support our youth from the beginning, through more school places, a new sports center, great parks, and support for our students. These are all meeting places and neighborhoods. Networking between local entrepreneurs, many of whom come from the former Yugoslavia, is also a task that I must promote. I also want to focus on art and culture and thus support the community.
How much are you in contact with the Serbian community in Vienna, what do they usually say to you, what do they complain about and what do they praise?
– I am in regular contact with the Serbian community, which is satisfied with the work of our mayor, Dr. Michael Ludwig. Today, I heard again, at the SPÖ event in the park, that Dr. Ludwig’s words are appreciated and that he can be emulated and trusted.
As for the most common problems: many residents need the best education for their children. The city of Vienna has taken a unique step here and in September 2020 implemented a free all-day school in Vienna. I am committed to ensuring that this is the case in Margareten as well. Another point that is often mentioned is the expansion of the city’s health network. If the SPÖ remains the strongest party in the municipality, I, as the future mayor, will advocate for the arrival of two new health centers with state doctors in Margareten. I will provide a local, municipal and affordable healthcare system.
There are many activists and militants of Serbian origin in his party, and the voters who come from this area are in his favor. What distinguishes you from other political parties?
– Vienna is a cosmopolitan city and has always benefited greatly from the peaceful coexistence of people of different origins. Participation in society must be possible for everyone. That is why I see it as a very good sign when more and more people of different origins want to get politically involved.
I am especially pleased that more and more people in our community are getting involved and wanting to actively participate in shaping their living environment. It is not by chance that many of them come to the SPÖ. Because to this day, the SPÖ is the only party that advocates that everyone in our city, regardless of origin, religion, gender or economic situation, can lead a good life. We fight for Vienna to remain a modern metropolis, accessible with respect and coexistence in the future.
How do you run a campaign?
– I am firmly anchored in the municipal politics of the SPÖ since 2004 and have participated in many electoral campaigns. For the campaign for the provincial and municipal elections of October 11, 2020, we started very early to activate our men and women Margaret. Shortly after the closure of Korona in Vienna, in April we created a SPÖ committee to help Margaret’s neighbors to support older residents and network entrepreneurs. Then we carried out a SPÖ Margareten summer tour with more than 60 stops in all parts of the municipality.
We were everywhere: in the municipal buildings, in our parks and in the central squares, with the aim of talking as much as possible with the residents of the municipality. I always want to be there for my neighbors in an authentic way and with an open ear. We also use social media and do a lot of interviews with the print media.
How familiar are you with Serbian politics? Is there any space for cooperation with Serbian local governments?
– Of course, my focus is on Austrian politics, especially in Vienna. From time to time I follow the Serbian media and political events. In the past, there have also been projects and exchanges between communities between Vienna and some municipalities in Serbia.
How often do you come to Serbia and when do you go where you usually go?
– Now we have to get through the Corona pandemic well, safely and healthy. I hope that the virus accelerates in the near future and that we can expect travel restrictions to be eased. So I would like to travel to the Balkans again and visit our family home in Smederevo or for example a holiday in Zlatibor and enjoy nature.
What do you like the most about Serbia?
– I especially appreciate the openness, warmth and hospitality of Serbia. I was able to make a lot of friends and exchange opinions with good food and good music. Serbia has a lot to offer, from regional products, science and crafts, but also culturally. Especially when it comes to the diversity of landscapes, from the Vojvodina plain to the southern mountains, there is always something new to discover.
Can you compare life in Vienna and Belgrade, or anywhere else in Serbia? It is clear that the Viennese have a much higher standard, but aside from how much the Austrians and the Serbs differ, and how are they alike?
– There are many good reasons to be proud of Vienna: Vienna has been voted the city where people live best 10 times in a row and has received countless awards, from the “smartest city” to the city with the most green areas in Europe. This shows how much Vienna has become a cosmopolitan city in recent years. Modern, future-oriented, open to all life plans. But Vienna has always been what it is: a place where people enjoy living, in unusual parts of the city, as well as in new urban areas. I also like spending time in Belgrade and made many friends there.
From the center of Knez Mihajlova to the Belgrade Zoo and many recreational opportunities along the Sava and the Danube, Belgrade offers something for everyone. What connects Vienna and Belgrade is that both are capitals, where life beats and where science, economy and culture merge. These two cities are also the political center where many political decisions were made. You need to deal with it very responsibly.
What is your message to Serbian voters before the Vienna elections and to all other voters?
– October 11, 2020 is a very important date: it is about the future of our Vienna. In the provincial and municipal elections it is decided who will shape this city in the next five years. One thing is clear: Vienna must remain a city of social unity, an accessible million-dollar metropolis in which everyone participates equally. The SPÖ is committed to cosmopolitan and social Vienna, which is a city of human rights, environmental sustainability and award-winning quality of life. It should continue to be so in the future and every vote counts. It is in your hands: use your democratic right to vote and motivate your friends, acquaintances and family to vote.
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