Politics unofficial

Shrinking gap gives ÖVP a headache

The Salzburg party leaders Schnöll, Edtstadler, Haslauer and Gutschi (from left) had a lot to discuss on election night.(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

The Salzburg state government sees itself on the "right course". The ÖVP expects a three-party coalition in Vienna.

There is still great relief among the Salzburg Black Party. The motto is "just gone well". Not only first place in Salzburg, but also the best ÖVP result of all federal states in percentage terms. Within the Salzburg ÖVP, a three-party coalition under ÖVP leadership is now expected.

 "Nehammer is undisputed as party leader"
"Karl Nehammer is undisputed as party leader", Governor Wilfried Haslauer makes clear. And due to Nehammer's clear no to FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl as Federal Chancellor, blue-black is not very realistic. "He (Nehammer, editor's note) won't get out of it now," says a high-ranking Black politician.

Both regional parties are convinced that the dislike between Nehammer and Kickl will not affect the country. On the contrary, the ÖVP and FPÖ see a confirmation of their first year together in the state government. "The course is right," they say.

Haslauer's last election as governor?
Whereby the shrinking gap to the FPÖ will still cause headaches for the Black Party. Especially in view of the 2028 state elections. Sunday was probably Haslauer's last election as governor. Everyone expects Stefan Schnöll to take over by 2026 at the latest, as there are no scheduled elections in Salzburg until then.