Austria: The "united greens" and the "alternative list/green alternative"

The transformation of new social movements into the organizational form of green-oriented political parties in the Austrian political system was accelerated and triggered by one political event in the 1970s, the nuclear power referendum held in November of 1978. Concerning the electoral history of green parties in Austria, we must distinguish between three levels of analysis: The national, regional and local levels of green participation in the elections. Concerning the extent of stability of the green vote one can state that the increasing volatility of the Austrian voters has its effects upon the green electorate. The basic problem for green parties in the Austrian party system consists of the precarious relationship between the green social movement and green political parties that participate in local, regional and national elections. Since 1982, political discussions centered around the appropriate political organisation, the preparation of election campaigns and the placement of candidates for regional and national parliaments.