City of Kapfenberg

Change of mayor took place faster than expected

Fritz Kratzer (left) handed over the agendas to his successor Matthäus Bachernegg on Monday.(Bild: Stadtgemeinde Kapfenberg)

That was quick: Kapfenberg's mayor Fritz Kratzer (SPÖ) resigned from his position as mayor of Kapfenberg on Monday. It has long been clear who will be in charge of Styria's third-largest town from now on. 

"I am in the fortunate position of having two suitable candidates for the office of mayor," said Fritz Kratzer in an interview with "Krone" in March. At that time, he officially announced his imminent resignation for the first time, with "the end of June" mentioned as the time horizon.

There is no reason to wait any longer. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work for the city.

Fritz Kratzer

The 69-year-old explains why the time had come on Monday: "There is no reason to wait any longer. There should simply be clarity as early as possible, also for the voters."

Resignation before local council elections
Kratzer was the red deputy mayor for five years before becoming mayor in 2017. His first highlight immediately after taking office: the ground-breaking ceremony for the world's most modern steelworks at the Böhler site. Now it was time to "devote more time to the family".

Matthäus Bachernegg is now (or midnight) head of the town in Upper Styria, which has a population of over 22,000. The move to the mayor's office has been well prepared; as the designated successor, he has already been able to familiarize himself with the job for several months. 

Bachernegg describes himself as "highly motivated" and says he is "ready to dedicate himself to the concerns of the people of Kapfenberg". The official swearing-in ceremony will take place at the municipal council meeting on June 27.