VIENNA CALLING

Lölja Nordic, an activist and artist from St. Petersburg, joins Petra Bayr on the Vienna Calling podcast to discuss her involvement in the feminist anti-war resistance movement. Lölja explains her recent protest against Vladimir Putin's fifth inauguration in front of the Austrian Parliament, emphasizing the importance of amplifying the voices of Russian activists unable to speak out. She delves into the complexities of resistance in Russia, highlighting the collaboration between activists within and outside the country through online channels. The discussion extends to the challenges faced by Russian civil society and the need for international support, particularly from countries like Austria. Lölja urges Austria to address its dependence on Russian fossil fuels and push for greater backing of Russian civil society in the face of growing repression. The conversation touches upon the financial ties between Austria and Russia, emphasizing the need to reduce support for Putin's regime and redirect resources towards promoting democracy and independence. The conversation shifts to the influence of right-wing politics and the Kremlin's interest in backing conservative parties globally. Lölja warns of potential Russian interference in elections through media manipulation and funding of right-wing groups. The discussion underlines the link between supporting right-wing politicians and advancing Putin's agenda, highlighting the need to combat such influences to uphold democratic values. Lölja also addresses the impact of Kremlin funding on anti-gender and anti-choice movements i...

In a recent episode of Vienna Calling, Petra Bayr speaks with Selim Böke about the recent local elections in Turkey and the significant win of leftist parties. Selim explains that their party, CHP, has now become the first party in Turkey and is set to govern 409 municipalities, reaching two-thirds of the population and three-quarters of economic activity. This victory signifies a shift towards progressive values and a focus on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, contrasting with the current government's pressures in those areas. Selim attributes their success to a campaign focused on connecting with people's sentiments and needs, especially after a loss of hope following previous elections. The party's response to economic crises, genuine social policies, and a rejection of polarizing politics played crucial roles in their triumph. By emphasizing coalition-building with the people rather than political elites, CHP managed to resonate with voters and convey a message of change and responsibility. Looking ahead, Selim believes that the local election results have broader implications for Turkish democracy, with newfound checks and balances and a shift towards more inclusive and effective social and economic policies. The party's focus is now on translating their success at the local level into national politics, ensuring that representatives uphold the progressive values and commitments that garnered public support. Reflecting on the lessons learned from the elections, Selim emphasizes the importance of unity and solidarity among progressive forces, both within ...

In the latest episode of Vienna Calling, host Petra Bayr discusses the dire situation in Haiti with guest Melissa Verpile, a lawyer and international law expert at the NGO Parliamentarians for Global Action. Melissa provides a comprehensive overview of Haiti's tumultuous history, highlighting factors such as political instability, natural disasters, corruption, and a lack of leadership that have contributed to the current crisis. She explains how historical events like the forced payment to France for independence and the brutal dictatorship of the Duvalier regime have left lasting scars on the country. Melissa delves into the recent events leading to the current situation in Haiti, including the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse and the rise of gangs controlling significant parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince. She describes the rampant violence, kidnappings, and sexual assaults perpetrated by these gangs, causing immense fear and suffering among the population. The lack of functioning institutions and widespread impunity further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Haiti. The conversation shifts to international efforts to mediate the crisis, with organizations like CARICOM and the United States leading mediation efforts. Melissa discusses the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the formation of a transitional government and the potential for future elections in Haiti. Despite external interventions, Melissa emphasizes the importance of Haitians taking the lead in finding a sustainable solution to restore democracy and governance in the country. As ...

Alice Ackermann, former board member of Le Planning Familial, is interviewed by Petra Bayr on the podcast Vienna Calling. They discuss the recent decision by the French parliament to enshrine the right to abortion in the French constitution. Alice explains the importance of this move in protecting women's rights, especially in the face of potential attacks by far-right extremists. She outlines the advocacy campaign led by feminist organizations to raise awareness and garner support for this constitutional change. Alice details the obstacles faced in convincing politicians and society of the necessity of enshrining abortion rights in the constitution. The campaign involved showcasing the increase in attacks on abortion rights in France and highlighting the support of the majority of the French population for this change. Collaboration among stakeholders, including politicians and feminist organizations, was key to the success of the campaign. The podcast delves into the strategies employed, such as sharing personal stories of abortion, engaging politicians and celebrities, and conducting a widespread digital campaign. Alice emphasizes the importance of building strong partnerships and developing a compelling argumentative framework to advocate for similar changes in other countries. She shares a touching moment where female politicians from opposing parties united to support the cause, showcasing the power of collaboration in advancing women's rights. Alice shares a humorous anecdote about how elderly male senators were swayed by pressure from their young female relati...

In der ersten Folge von "Vienna Calling" entführt uns Petra Bayr nach Ramat Gan, einem Vorort von Tel Aviv, wo die Friedrich Ebert Stiftung ihren Standort in Israel hat. Als Leiter des Regionalbüros empfängt Dr. Ralf Melzer die Zuschauer und teilt seine Einsichten zu den aktuellen Entwicklungen in Israel, Gaza und der umliegenden Region. Durch seine langjährige Erfahrung und sein tiefes Verständnis für die politischen und gesellschaftlichen Dynamiken bietet Dr. Melzer einen faszinierenden Einblick in die komplexe Realität vor Ort. Von den Herausforderungen des Nahost-Konflikts bis hin zu den Hoffnungen auf Frieden und Versöhnung diskutiert er Themen von großer globaler Bedeutung und lässt die Zuschauer an seinen Erkenntnissen teilhaben. Diese fesselnde Episode eröffnet einen Blick hinter die Schlagzeilen und ermöglicht es, die Region aus einer differenzierteren Perspektive zu betrachten.