Curious election campaign

Former Chancellor Kurz’s return to politics in a flash

The Sebastian Kurz pen, the ÖVP's latest election gift, was a source of surprise.(Bild: Christian Schulter)

Speculation about Sebastian Kurz's return to politics flared up again on the fringes of the coalition negotiations in Vienna. Even the German newspaper "Bild" puzzled over the ex-chancellor's "comeback". However, it was only in Loipersbach that the appearance of a turquoise new beginning was really awakened.

As an election gift for Sunday's ballot, the residents of Loipersbach in the district of Mattersburg received a ballpoint pen with the inscription "I'm in: www.sebastian-kurz.at", among other things.

Confusion about election advertising
"Loipersbach, give change your vote" was the clear message on the enclosed advertising leaflet for the upcoming regional elections. However, the photo did not show Sebastian Kurz, but ÖVP top candidate Christian Sagartz in a group of friendly, smiling supporters.

Comeback "postponed"
"I was just wondering about the Sebastian Kurz pen. But the filling fits, he writes," one pensioner shook his head. For some recipients in the village of 1230 souls, the surprising election gift elicited more of a smile.

"A hoppala in the election campaign, nothing more," the ÖVP put an end to speculation about a Sebastian Kurz comeback with a terse comment.