SPÖ municipal representative

“Primae-noctis mayor” as president of the red local leaders

Rupert Dworak (left) steps down as municipal council president. He will be succeeded by SPÖ National Councillor Andreas Kollross.(Bild: E. Wood Photographic Artist NÖ GVV / Wieland Krone KREATIV,)

Andreas Kollross succeeds Rupert Dworak at the SPÖ municipal representatives' association. His successor caused quite a stir last year with a sexist post. 

A political career is coming to an end. After Rupert Dworak recently announced his resignation as SPÖ mayor of Ternitz in the district of Neunkirchen, the 62-year-old is also placing the leadership of the red municipal representatives' association (GVV) in younger hands. Into those of Andreas Kollross.

Big shoes to fill
"An out-of-office mayor should not be at the head of the active mayors and municipal councillors," says Dworak. It remains to be seen whether Kollross, who is an SPÖ national councillor and mayor of Trumau in the district of Baden, has the stature to follow in Dworak's footsteps.

Controversy over posting
The politician was criticized at the end of last year because he had rambled on in an internet posting about an "ius primae noctis" for mayors - i.e. a "right to the first night" with every municipal citizen. Despite apologizing, Kollross found himself on the defensive.

Withdrawal from parliament?
It is rumored that he will no longer be standing in the upcoming National Council elections. He will carry out his function as president of the Lower Austrian municipal representatives on an honorary basis, it is emphasized. Kollross is to be officially elected to this office in June.

Strong reaction
Sharp criticism of the election of the mayor of Trumau as the future president of the Lower Austrian Association of Municipal Representatives comes from the ÖVP women. "In the SPÖ, you are apparently promoted if you stand for chauvinism and sexism," rants Silke Dammerer, head of the party. She speaks to the conscience of her fellow red party members: "In his role, Kollross would be the mouthpiece of the SPÖ mayors and SPÖ municipal councillors."