Voices on the election in Lower Austria

A big plus: the “blue wave” continues for Kickl

For FPÖ Federal Party Chairman Herbert Kickl, the "blue wave of renewal" also continued in Lower Austria. The next goal is "a brilliant success" in the municipal elections in Styria on March 23.(Bild: APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER)

The political reactions to the results of the Lower Austrian municipal elections are quite varied. While FPÖ federal party leader Herbert Kickl sees the "blue wave" rolling on, the ÖVP did better than many experts expected, according to Johanna Mikl-Leitner, governor of Lower Austria. 

On Sunday, the FPÖ came first at municipal level in Lower Austria for the first time. The strong gains show that Freedom Party politics are still on the rise, emphasizes FPÖ Federal Party Chairman Herbert Kickl.

FPÖ in first place in three municipalities
"The focus on our own population is also bearing increasing fruit in the municipalities," continued Kickl. The Freedom Party has become the party with the most votes in three municipalities.

Mikl-Leitner: More first ÖVP seats than in 2020
Commenting on the ÖVP results, Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner emphasized: "The results vary greatly from region to region. But one thing is certain: the municipal parties of the People's Party of Lower Austria were able to achieve more first places than five years ago."

(Bild: Imre Antal)

According to Mikl-Leitner, the approximately 20,000 black candidates did better in the municipalities "than many had predicted and some had perhaps longed for".

Different rules apply in municipal elections than in past national elections. In our municipalities, it is not loose talk that counts, but commitment and dedication to our fellow human beings."

Landeshauptfrau JOhanna Mikl-Leinter

He went on to emphasize: "Different rules apply in the municipal elections than in past national elections; in our municipalities, it's not a loose mouth that counts, but dedication and commitment to our fellow citizens."

Hergovich: "Many pleasing results"
 SPÖ provincial party leader Sven Hergovich saw "many pleasing results" for his party overall. Nationwide, second place was clearly defended ahead of the FPÖ. Despite "a strong increase in political competition", the SPÖ Lower Austria had managed to "consolidate its position as a strong mayoral party", added Hergovich.

SPÖ regional leader Sven Hergovich(Bild: Attila Molnar)

Green Party leader: "Very solid result"
Hikmet Arslan, regional managing director of the Greens, cited a "very solid result". "In the cities and municipalities around Vienna in particular, we have maintained or even improved on our previous good results." After a "spirited and substantive election campaign", the results must now be assessed and analyzed individually.

NEOS "very satisfied"
The NEOS, which ran in 52 municipalities, did not achieve their goal of entering the local council in each case. Nevertheless, we can be "very satisfied", said state spokesperson Indra Collini. "We ran a committed election campaign and showed a lot of passion for more childcare, climate-friendly and revitalized town centers and healthcare close to home - that has been rewarded."