The shock in the Styrian SPÖ was deep. Until the weekend, one could still expect the state government to remain a junior partner of the FPÖ. A plan B, a tough move against the opposition, did not seem to be on the cards. Party leader Anton Lang, who was highly regarded after the disaster in the state elections on November 24, dived into the media. The other red masterpieces were monosyllables or tried to use the blues phrase “missed opportunity” to try something new.
Though, in the background there were hectic phone calls and consultations – even on Wednesday evening. At a meeting of the party’s executive committee on Thursday (starting at 1 pm), the course for the future of the state party will be set. Anton Lang draws conclusions from the debacle with the worst result in history and will resign as chairman of the Styrian Social Democrats after five years. Max Lercher from Murau, who is currently regional chairman of the SPÖ Obersteiermark-West, will succeed him as executive chairman of the party. Most of the big red people on both sides of the Valley can get used to this personality. Many are even convinced that he is the only right person for this job at this point. “Together with Lercher we would have a party leader who is capable of opposition and also has plenty of political experience,” says one of his supporters.
lercher without a mandate
The 38-year-old Lercher, who was already state manager in Styria and federal manager of the social Democrats under Christian Kern, is certainly ready for the new task. His biggest obstacle: having voluntarily resigned from parliament, he is no longer an elected official and was only a count candidate in the state elections. According to reports, the Upper Styrian is making a seat in the state parliament a condition to take over the leadership of the party. But this requires a whole series of waivers from candidates ranked in front of him. Lercher was 24th in his Upper Styria constituency and even 77th on the state list “It can still be done,” the state Reds are convinced.On Wednesday it was clear that Hannes Schwarz will remain chairman of the club for the time being and will act as Lercher’s extended hand and mouth in the state parliament. The man from Graz is said to have never had his own ambitions for the party chairmanship, even if he was recently said to have had them.
The campus is no longer a problem
Doris Kampus should continue to focus on Graz, Hannes Schwarz should remain chairman of the club © Klz/nadja Fuchs
Another name that has been thrown around these days is that of Doris Kampus. It is likely that the current state councilor would be willing to take over the party at its lowest point, as she already did in the state capital in 2022.But it seems that she did not have the necessary support. In addition, Graz will regularly elect a new local council in September 2026, and the red team of the city cannot use the umteenth reorganization at this point. A third candidate, Turnau Mayor Stefan Hofer, refused in an interview with the Kleine Zeitung on Monday. For him, however, the role of the club chairman (under Kampus, unlikely under Lercher) would be imagined.
In any case, Lang’s successor at the top of the party must be sure of broad popular support.The statutes provide for a ballot when electing the leader of the party. The 65-year-old from Leoben, who introduced direct elections in the Styrian SPÖ, was happy with a result of 91.6 percent at his frist performance in January this year.At that time,he had clearly formulated his claim for state governor for the first time - but in reality,number one in the country remained far away for Lang.
– How will max Lercher’s leadership approach differ from that of his predecessor in addressing the SPÖ’s electoral challenges?
Interview: Time.news Editor Meets Political Expert on Styrian SPÖ Developments
editor: welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the recent upheaval within the styrian SPÖ following the alarming results in the state elections. Joining me is Dr. Eva Müller, a political analyst specializing in Austrian politics. Dr. Müller, thank you for being here.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me! It’s a crucial moment for the party, adn I’m eager to discuss the implications.
Editor: Absolutely. Let’s start with the immediate aftermath of the election.The SPÖ faced its worst result in history. What do you believe led to this “shock” as you described it?
Dr.Müller: The term “shock” is quiet fitting. The SPÖ has historically been a strong force in styria,and this electoral outcome indicates significant voter disenchantment. Several factors contributed: a perceived disconnect between the party and the electorate, ineffective campaigning, and perhaps an underestimation of the FPÖ’s appeal in the region.
Editor: That disconnect seems to be a recurring theme. Party leader Anton Lang is resigning after this defeat. How significant is this change in leadership for the party’s future?
Dr. Müller: Lang’s resignation marks a pivotal moment for the SPÖ, signaling a need for a fresh approach. His leadership had become associated with the party’s declining fortunes. Enter Max Lercher, who’s seen as more attuned to both the party’s grassroots and the broader electorate. His experience in opposition may very well be what the SPÖ needs to regain public trust.
Editor: Lercher dose seem to have the backing of many party members. What qualities does he bring that make him a suitable choice for this role when he steps in as executive chairman?
Dr. Müller: Lercher has a reputation for being a competent communicator and a strategist. He understands the intricacies of party dynamics and has the political experience to navigate tumultuous waters. Supporters believe he can effectively articulate the party’s stance and galvanize the members, which is crucial for rebuilding after such a significant loss.
Editor: It’s captivating to note that Lercher currently doesn’t hold a mandate. How might this impact his initial transition into the leadership role?
Dr. Müller: That’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows him to break from conventional expectations and pave a new way forward without the weight of previous mandates. However, it also means he may face an uphill battle in consolidating support within the party and among voters who may be skeptical of a leader without direct representation.
Editor: Given the current political landscape, how crucial is the timing of this leadership change considering the SPÖ’s relationship with the FPÖ?
Dr. Müller: Timing is everything. The SPÖ must reassess its coalition strategies moving forward. While the FPÖ has gained ground,voters are also looking for alternatives that address their concerns more directly. By repositioning itself under Lercher, the SPÖ has the possibility to clearly distinguish its platform, appealing to disillusioned voters while maintaining a robust opposition stance.
Editor: What are the next steps for the SPÖ as they regroup and prepare for this transition?
Dr. Müller: First and foremost, they need to establish a clear and compelling narrative that resonates with both current supporters and potential new voters. Engaging in open dialog within the community, prioritizing key issues, and unpacking the reasons behind the election loss are vital to regaining lost ground.The coming weeks will be critical as the party sets its course during the executive committee meeting and beyond.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insightful analysis. It’s a tense time for the SPÖ, and their future strategies will certainly be pivotal in shaping the next chapter of Styrian politics.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how this unfolds.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for tuning in. Stay with Time.news for updates on political developments in Austria and beyond!