Concerning Salzburg

Haslauer succession: Will everything be different now?

Provincial Vice-President Stefan Schnöll with Karoline Edtstadler, who is still Minister.(Bild: Markus Tschepp)

Governor Wilfried Haslauer will hand over the reins of office next year. Until now, Stefan Schnöll was the clear favorite to succeed him. But he reportedly has other plans. A commentary by Claus Pándi.

Wilfried Haslauer will hand over his office to Stefan Schnöll after the festival. That was thought to be certain.

However, since Karoline Edtstadler informed the Chancellor that she did not want to be part of the future federal government, a lot has shifted on the political map of the country. In terms of timing and personnel, things could now turn out differently than expected. This means that Salzburg will not have a new governor, but for the first time a female governor: Karoline Edtstadler, who is feared by the FPÖ. It is very possible that she will even give the speech at the opening of the Salzburg Festival in July.

Stefan Schnöll, who was previously rumored to have ambitions for the throne at the Chiemseehof, is said to have other plans. The subtle lawyer would like to remain in politics but devote himself more to art and culture in the state.

Haslauer had actually already closed the political door on Edtstadler.(Bild: Tschepp Markus)

This means that Edtstadler, who is already more confrontational, could be given the role of leading Salzburg through a financially difficult phase following the budget disaster at federal level.

In any case, Salzburg cannot afford a crisis in the state government or even early elections in this situation. Everyone involved will have to put personal expectations on hold.

This does not only apply to the ÖVP. The FPÖ and SPÖ must not allow themselves any willful provocations now either. 2025 is definitely the wrong year for political shenanigans.