Kay-Michael Dankl from the KPÖplus is a politician who primarily appeals to those who are often forgotten by politics.
No matter whether in the storm of flashbulbs on election night, at the swearing-in ceremony in the Salzburg state parliament or in conversation with citizens on the street: Kay-Michael Dankl wears a dark red sweater. The unconventional outfit for a politician has become the communist’s trademark. The Salzburg native appears eloquently and self-confidently and his messages unerringly capture the emotions of an electorate that often felt misunderstood or ignored by politicians. One of his hobbies fits in with his Robin Hood image: Dankl likes to practice archery.
The 35-year-old sets clear priorities – and not just when it comes to the political issues he deals with. Housing has consistently been at the center of his political message for years. He also sets priorities in his private life: Just at the beginning of the hot phase of the city election campaign, he took some time off for Dad Month.
The trained historian started with the Green Party, where he became federal chairman of the youth organization. After the falling out with the then Green Party leader Eva Glawischnig, Dankl reoriented himself and founded a new force with friends to the left of the SPÖ and the Greens, which ultimately merged with the KPÖ in Salzburg. In the run-up to the 2019 local council election, he toured the apartment blocks in districts such as Lehen and Schallmoos, rang doorbells and asked people how they were doing. He and his team helped with applications and appointments with authorities.
Work at the grassroots level that paid off: in 2019, Kay-Michael Dankl received 3.7 percent of the vote and entered the local council with a mandate. In April 2023, the KPÖ Plus became the second strongest party behind the ÖVP in the Salzburg state election with 22 percent – and was suddenly on a par with the former major parties. (cl)
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