Interview: Between European technology and local council elections

Leaving the area: What progress has Austria made regarding digital transformation in 2023?
Florian Turski: We have been able to achieve a lot: not only have we achieved rapid expansion of broadband through the digital driving license, which is already used by 500,000 people, and more than 2 million Austrians use the ID Austria card. During this legislative period, we were able to increase high-speed Internet access in Austria from 13 to 69%. We have also put in place initiatives to ensure Austria remains an attractive location for digital businesses. This is how we invest so that we can expand our leading role in microchip production.

Digital transformation is a matter of trust. Are residents ready to take the new path even after the chaos surrounding the Austrian store?
I think people like to use modern services, but only if they see the benefits in them. I have and will always focus on that. I see ID-Austria user numbers and digital ID cards as confirmation. By the end of the year, more than two million citizens were already using this digital identity and were able to implement more than 200 official channels and a total of 475 services digitally and comfortably from home.

Keyword ID-Austria What was it like trying to transition into TV?
With such significant digital change, problems can always arise. I always try to approach it with an open mind and see how we can improve. I am pleased that we have succeeded so well in the past few weeks in starting this shift to new, modern administrative channels. In general, government apps and apps are now in strong competition with apps from startups or tech giants, which is why we focus not only on functionality, but also on ease of use.

The fact is that more than two million citizens use the ID-Austria offer. How important is digitization to you in this field?
When I took over as Secretary of State for Digitalisation, it was very clear to me that my goal was to simplify administration through digitalisation and bring it to where the people are – and today that is the smartphone. Citizens can now complete more than 200 administrative procedures from home using their mobile phones. Above all, you can save time, effort and nerves. In addition, we have created more added value for citizens with digital ID cards. My goal is that in the future, if possible, all the ID cards that you usually carry with you in your wallet or handbag on your cell phone will be stored in the electronic ID platform.

What is it like to cooperate with Mario Gerber as the responsible State Counselor of Tyrol?
The cooperation with State Counselor Mario Gerber is very good. Significant progress has already been made in expanding broadband in Tyrol. Between 2014 and 2023 alone, Tyrol invested more than €100 million in broadband expansion – investments that are now paying off, as 74 percent of all households in Tyrol already have a gigabit-speed internet connection. I am also pleased with the state's ambitious and well-coordinated government programme, and of course the Tyrolean Digitization Act. The Tyrol case's digitalization strategy envisages all services being provided digitally in a standard manner and data being recorded once as much as possible – i.e. on the once-only principle. These measures will significantly improve efficiency and communication in the department.

What do you expect regarding digitalization in 2024?
We still have some digital measures planned that will improve people's lives. Last summer we created the Digital Austria Act, which includes 36 principles and 117 measures. This is, so to speak, the federal government's digital action agenda and we still have a lot of planning together. Next year, for example, it will be a digital registration certificate, digital e-card and digital proof of identity. An artificial intelligence service point or body will also begin its work.

You can find the 2024 local council elections file on the MeinBezirk website here

Local council elections

On April 14, local council elections will be held in Innsbruck. How excited are you for today?
To be honest, I'm really looking forward to this date and will be happy if our efforts pay off on election evening.

After 30 years, the bourgeois camp came together again to form a joint list. What is the goal of “New Innsbruck”?
Our goal is clear: solutions instead of stagnation. People want a reliable mayor with predictable policies again. A visionary, finds the majority and actually implements projects. A good cross-town bike ride certainly isn't enough for the state capital.

Why are you running for mayor?
Innsbruck is my hometown and this is where I feel at home. I believe Innsbruck can do more. I want to be a mayor who puts teamwork at the forefront, who always has his door open to the concerns of the people of this city and who wants to implement rather than argue.

How do you see the diversity of lists in the GR elections and what does obstacle 4-5 mean?
This percentage hurdle is definitely necessary so that the city can be ruled again. The internal division of the local council, coupled with the leadership vacuum in the city, has led to this impasse, which is now clear to everyone.

What are the three most important themes for the city of Innsbruck that you want to implement?
Innsbruck must become more livable for everyone. I want to implement a new style of teamwork again. People are tired of controversy and stagnation. The people of Innsbruck want greater progress in the city and I support that.

Is there a list you don't want to work with?
First, voters decide and then we negotiate potential coalitions. I will not rule anyone out in advance, because the only people who will decide on election day are the people of Innsbruck.

Florian Turski is a candidate on the civil list

You can find more news from Innsbruck here