Election in Pongau

Red full-time head of village for black Grossarl

Mayor instead of political pension: Hans Ganitzer (SPÖ) wanted to know once again and is now the new mayor of Großarl.(Bild: Gerhard Schiel)

Hans Ganitzer has actually been retired since January 1st. Now the Social Democrat is mayor of the deep-black Pongau tourist community. A young list surprises in Altenmarkt im Pongau on its first appearance.

At the turn of the year, Hans Ganitzer was faced with a decision: Professional or political retirement? The deputy mayor of Grossarl opted for retirement as an employee of the road maintenance department. And then entered the race for mayor once again. Ganitzer was successful, as a social democrat in deep black Grossarl. "This is a historic success," says the 63-year-old, who now wants to concentrate fully on the office.

Ganitzer's triumph probably also came about because the planned, gentle tourism became too wild for many over the years, according to the neo-mayor. "We know that tourism is our lifeline, without it we wouldn't be what we are," says Ganitzer. "But we need the right balance again." Too much traffic, overcrowded nature and skyrocketing property prices are the main complaints.

But there is still one fly in the ointment for the Grossarl SPÖ and Hans Ganitzer: The party lost ten percent of the votes in the municipal council - to the newly founded FPÖ (33.2 percent).

The "Dein Altenmarkt" list led by Nicole Trojer (fourth from left) was able to win six seats in the municipal council from a standing start.(Bild: Liste Dein Altenmark)

"Dein Altenmarkt" list surprises with first-time entry
A young team is causing a stir in Ennspongau with the "Dein Altenmarkt" list. The list led by Nicole Trojer achieved second place from a standing start (29.3 percent) and is entering the municipal council with six members. Entrepreneurs, teachers and creative people want to use the movement to wake up the market town.

 "We want to get citizens more involved in community work," says the filmmaker, who would like to see a new social meeting place for all citizens.