Gerhard Zeiler: Ex-RTL-Chef will Vizekanzler in Österreich werden

Vienna - Once a prominent leader of the RTL Group, Gerhard Zeiler, 71, now aims to assume the role of Vice-Chancellor in Austria and lead the Social Democrats (SPÖ). In interviews with the Kronen Zeitung and the broadcaster ORF, Zeiler openly challenged current SPÖ leader and Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler, arguing that the SPÖ's declining support is a concern. Recent surveys show the SPÖ at 15 percent, far behind the conservative governing party ÖVP at 21 percent, and the right-wing oppositional FPÖ at 38 percent.

Zeiler emphasized in ORF on Sunday night that if the Social Democrats fail to strengthen their position, extremist parties may take over. He stated that he is not a class warrior and advocates for an economically favorable course. Zeiler's move could potentially destabilize the coalition government of ÖVP, SPÖ, and the liberal Neos, warned SPÖ General Secretary Klaus Seltenheim on the radio station Ö1.

So far, no one from the party leadership has publicly backed Zeiler, while few SPÖ politicians have openly supported Babler. However, Zeiler claimed to have many supporters within the SPÖ.

Babler, the party chairman, has ruled out a resignation. Zeiler has been overseeing the international TV business for the US corporation Warner Bros. since earlier this year. He previously worked as a press spokesman for SPÖ education ministers in the mid-1980s and headed the ORF in the 1990s. After leaving RTL in 2012, he served as CEO of the RTL Group.