A three-way battle with ÖVP and SPÖ
Styria elected a new state parliament on 24 November 2024. 188,813 people were eligible to vote in Graz. Here you will find the results for the state capital and each metropolitan area on election evening.
188,813 people from Graz were eligible to vote in the 2024 state elections. Who did they vote for? On Sunday evening everyone in the headquarters of each party is looking forward to the results in the state capital. Ballot papers are still being watched diligently, but the first results are now available – and they show that the FPÖ is clearly ahead in most cases, but that the SPÖ is also gaining votes in the Graz districts. In a foreign country, for example, the Reds achieved even first place with 24.1 percent of the vote (+ 3.6 percentage points), followed by the FPÖ with 21.8%. For example in Gösting: According to the last preliminary result, the FPÖ is clearly ahead here as well, the Blues won 29 percent of the votes in Gösting. Hit: The SPÖ also made gains in the 13th district of Graz – almost three percentage points to 21.3 percent and thus almost on a par with the ÖVP. The latter, like the other parties, is losing votes in Gösting; the Neos alone are likely to retain their seven percent from 2019.
In Gries, too, the work of the election workers has been done for the time being – with a similar result: The FPÖ is clearly ahead (here with 24.5 percent), but the SPÖ can also make gains in Gries and has he came second with 20.6 percent of the votes in this Graz district. The changes in Wetzelsdorf are almost the same: first place goes to the FPÖ (31.3%), the SPÖ rises to 22.9 percent and so to second place in the 15th district as well. It is particularly tight in Eggenberg: Here the Blues and the Reds are making significant gains – with the final preliminary result showing the FPÖ with 31.3 percent, just ahead of the SPÖ with 22.9 percent.
Together with the surrounding area Graz-Environment, Graz is particularly important in the election. The two most populous districts in Styria together form constituency 1, where the parties can win the most seats. There were 15 (out of a total of 48) in 2019, this time there are even 16 mandates. This is related to population development: population numbers are increasing in the capital of the state and in the suburbs, while in Upper Styria they are decreasing.
There are three parties running in the state elections only in Graz and the Graz district
Also exciting: In constituency 1, and thus in Graz and the Graz area, nine parties are competing for the voters’ votes. ÖVP, SPÖ, FPÖ, Greens, Neos, KPÖ are represented in the four constituencies in Styria. KFG, MFG and DNA only run in constituency 1. Furthermore, the result of the Graz election has been considered a decisive factor for the established parties for many years when it comes to whether they will win overall or not.
You can see the results already achieved for Graz and its surroundings from 4 pm!
Review of the 2019 state election
In the last state election in 2019, the people of Graz made the ÖVP the strongest party in the state capital. She came in first with 25.1 percent of the vote. The Greens followed closely behind with 24.7 percent. The SPÖ got 15.5 percent, the KPÖ got 13.2 percent, even ahead of the FPÖ (13.1 percent). The Neos managed 8.3 percent.
What were the key factors influencing the Freedom Party’s success in the recent Styria elections?
Interview: The State of Politics in Styria – A Deep Dive into the Recent Election Results
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome! Today, we’re diving into the recent state elections in Styria, held on November 24, 2024. We have with us Dr. Anna Müller, a political analyst and expert on Austrian politics. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Müller!
Dr. Anna Müller: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s get right into it. The initial results indicated that the Freedom Party (FPÖ) is ahead in most districts, with significant gains. What do you think is behind their success in this election?
Dr. Anna Müller: The FPÖ’s success appears to be rooted in several factors. Firstly, they have maintained a strong, populist message that resonates with voters, particularly against the backdrop of broader regional and national challenges. There’s a growing unease among the electorate regarding immigration and economic stability, and the FPÖ has capitalized on these sentiments.
Interviewer: Interesting! In contrast, the Social Democrats (SPÖ) seem to have made some noteworthy gains as well, especially in districts like Gösting. What might explain this resurgence?
Dr. Anna Müller: The SPÖ’s resurgence can be attributed to a strategic focus on local issues and community welfare. They have targeted their messaging to emphasize social services and support for struggling families, which has likely resonated with voters looking for stability amidst uncertainty. Their increase in vote percentage, especially in Gösting and Gries, suggests that they are re-engaging with their traditional voter base.
Interviewer: It’s also notable that the People’s Party (ÖVP) appears to be losing ground, even in traditionally strong areas. What does this indicate for their future?
Dr. Anna Müller: The ÖVP’s decline signals potential trouble ahead for them. This could be a result of internal party divisions or dissatisfaction with their handling of political issues. Voters may be seeking alternatives to their leadership, as we see shifts toward both the FPÖ and SPÖ. If this trend continues, the ÖVP will need to reevaluate its strategies and perhaps reconstruct its appeal to voters.
Interviewer: The Neos party has managed to maintain their position at seven percent, which seems quite stable amidst the shifting dynamics. How do you interpret their performance in this election?
Dr. Anna Müller: The Neos’ stability suggests that they have carved out a niche among voters who prioritize progressive policies and liberal values. Their consistent performance indicates that there is a segment of the electorate that appreciates their approach, despite not being in the limelight as much as the larger parties. They have also successfully positioned themselves as a credible alternative for those disillusioned with both the FPÖ and the traditional parties.
Interviewer: With such a dynamic political landscape unfolding in Graz and the surrounding districts, what do you anticipate for the future of Styrian politics?
Dr. Anna Müller: This election reflects a broader trend of fragmentation among party lines, which could lead to a more complex coalition landscape moving forward. If the FPÖ and SPÖ continue to gain traction, we might see unusual alliances forming in the state parliament. Voter sentiments are shifting, and parties will need to adapt quickly to meet the changing demands of the electorate. It’s an exciting time for Styrian politics, indeed.
Interviewer: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Müller. It’s fascinating to consider how these results will shape the political future of Styria. We appreciate your time!
Dr. Anna Müller: My pleasure! Thank you for having me, and I look forward to seeing how things unfold in upcoming months.
