On the federal side, the FPÖ is also extremely pleased with what, according to projections, is a clear election victory in Styria. Party leader Herbert Kickl celebrated a “historic day” for the federal state and “our entire liberal family” via social media. He also saw the result as a clear no to the “loser traffic lights” of the ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS in the federal government. Anything other than an immediate resignation of ÖVP federal party leader Karl Nehammer would be “absurd” from Kickl’s point of view.
Kickl wrote “Thank you Styria” in capital letters with blue hearts. One is deeply overwhelmed, humbled and grateful. “Today the Styrians spoke a very clear word of power and voted for change – against the ice-cold system and for patriotic and socially just politics.” It is a victory for the homeland and a strong boost for social justice for the Styrian population and at the same time a rejection of the coalition that Nehammer and SPÖ leader Andreas Babler are currently working on. “It can therefore be assumed that Nehammer will resign this evening,” said Kickl: “Anything else would be absurd after such an ÖVP debacle.”
General Secretary Michael Schnedlitz saw it in a very similar way at ORF. He praised top candidate Mario Kunasek as a strong politician who sensitively recognized people’s needs: “He was the strongest offer.” The ÖVP, however, was voted out for the second time, especially Karl Nehammer. “If you continue to hold on to your position even though you’ve been voted out, this is what happens.” This was added as a “turbo” for the FPÖ.
Blue cheers in the countries too
The Blues were also very happy in the other federal states. Tyrol’s FPÖ state party chairman Markus Abwerzger celebrated a “great day for Styria and for Austria.” The voters were clearly in favor of “change” and a policy “that puts the people back at the center”. In view of the result, the FPÖ club boss also warned Tyrol’s governor Anton Mattle (ÖVP) to end the “exclusion policy” towards the FPÖ and the black-red coalition in the country and to allow new elections.
Vienna’s FPÖ leader Dominik Nepp congratulated on a “brilliant election success” and the “clear first place for our top candidate Mario Kunasek.” Once again it shows that people want change and a “policy for the people,” he said. “We libertarians are fighting with all our strength towards the Vienna elections in 2025,” he promised. In the federal capital, the local council elections are scheduled for autumn next year.
“Resounding slap in the face” for Nehammer
“This historic result stands for reason and hope,” said Upper Austria’s deputy governor and FPÖ regional leader Manfred Haimbuchner, commenting on the blue landslide victory in Styria.
“Mario Kunasek is the governor that Styria needs now,” said Carinthian FPÖ leader Erwin Angerer in response to the Styrian Freedom Party’s result. In Styria, as in the federal government, it is “time for a positive change and a better future”. The result is also “a resounding slap in the face for ÖVP boss and still-Chancellor Karl Nehammer,” who wanted to cling to power and “create a loser traffic light,” said Angerer.
Svazek sees a clear mandate for responsibility
The liberal Salzburg deputy governor Marlene Svazek sees the FPÖ’s election victory in Styria as a “clear mandate for responsibility”. “First place in this state election is a clear and overwhelming sign of the voters’ trust.” And beyond that, it is a more than clear mandate to take responsibility for the political future of the federal state, emphasized the liberal state party leader.
Lower Austria’s FPÖ state party chairman Udo Landbauer described it as a “blue miracle” and said it was “a historic day”. Now the will of the voters is clear, said the state deputy: “The Styrian compatriots want a liberal governor and have clearly voted out the black-red state government. This result is also a slap in the arm for the tinkerers at the ‘loser traffic light’.”
Burgenland’s Blues are hoping for a tailwind
The Burgenland FPÖ chairman Alexander Petschnig congratulated Kunasek and his team on the “sensational result”. It turns out that “this form of exclusion” is not appreciated. Petschnig also expects a tailwind for the Blues in Burgenland, where the next state election is scheduled for January. “The voters won’t put up with this form of exclusion,” he told the APA with a view to forming a government at the federal level. Petschnig recently moved to the National Council and is only running last on the list in Burgenland. The top candidate here is the former Third National Council President Norbert Hofer.
How might the FPÖ capitalize on its momentum leading up to the 2025 elections in Vienna?
Title: Analyzing Political Shifts: An Interview with FPÖ Expert Dr. Anna Fischer
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Dr. Fischer! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent election victory of the FPÖ in Styria. It’s generating quite a buzz across Austria. How significant do you think this victory is for the party?
Dr. Anna Fischer: Thank you for having me! This election victory is indeed monumental for the FPÖ, marking what Herbert Kickl called a “historic day.” It’s not just a victory in Styria but a significant message to the federal government and to the voters who feel disenfranchised. It symbolizes a growing demand for change and a rejection of the existing coalition politics.
Editor: Herbert Kickl mentioned this win as a clear message against the “loser traffic lights” in the coalition government. Can you elaborate on that term and its implications?
Dr. Fischer: Of course. The term “loser traffic lights” refers to the coalition of the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, which has been criticized for failing to address the needs of the populace effectively. This election result indicates that many voters see this coalition as out of touch, and they are now looking for alternatives that focus more on social justice and patriotism, as Kickl highlighted. It suggests a fundamental shift in voter sentiment away from established parties.
Editor: Kickl has also called for the immediate resignation of ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer. How likely do you think that is to happen?
Dr. Fischer: The pressure on Nehammer is certainly mounting. Kickl’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among FPÖ supporters and even some moderates within the ÖVP who may feel that continuing under Nehammer’s leadership after such a significant defeat is untenable. Typically in politics, the loss of majority support leads to leadership changes, so we may be witnessing a pivotal moment for the ÖVP.
Editor: Moving on to the other federal states, how have the reactions been, particularly from the FPÖ leadership in Tyrol and Vienna?
Dr. Fischer: The responses have been overwhelmingly positive and celebratory. Leaders like Tyrol’s Markus Abwerzger and Vienna’s Dominik Nepp praised the outcome, framing it as a clear demand for a people-centered policy. This success is not just confined to Styria; it amplifies the FPÖ’s momentum leading up to future elections, especially in major urban centers like Vienna.
Editor: The term “a resounding slap in the face” for Nehammer was used by FPÖ leaders to describe the election result. What do you think this means for future governance and political strategy in Austria?
Dr. Fischer: That phrase epitomizes the frustration felt not only among FPÖ supporters but also among a significant portion of the electorate dissatisfied with current policies. This result gives the FPÖ leverage and encourages them to position themselves as the main opposition, advocating for an agenda that meets public demands. It will force the ÖVP and its coalition partners to rethink their strategies moving forward if they want to regain public trust and support.
Editor: with the next election on the horizon in Vienna for 2025, what do you foresee for the FPÖ and the political landscape in Austria?
Dr. Fischer: If the FPÖ can capitalize on the momentum from this victory and maintain their narrative of change, they could significantly influence the upcoming Vienna elections. Voter turnout and engagement will be crucial, as will their ability to present tangible solutions to the challenges facing everyday Austrians. the political landscape in Austria is becoming increasingly competitive, with the FPÖ positioning itself as a key player in that dynamic.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Fischer, for your insight into this crucial moment in Austrian politics. It will certainly be interesting to see how the dust settles and what implications this has for the future.
Dr. Fischer: My pleasure! It’s an exciting time in politics, and I look forward to seeing how these developments unfold.
