Following Wöginger's departure
Gödl to Succeed Wöginger as ÖVP Caucus Leader
It’s been official since early Tuesday morning: Styrian Ernst Gödl succeeds August Wöginger as ÖVP parliamentary group leader. Wöginger had announced his intention to step down immediately following his—not yet final—conviction. Gödl was elected with 100 percent approval and subsequently appeared before the press alongside Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker.
Just a few hours after August Wöginger’s resignation, the factions within the ÖVP agreed on a new parliamentary group leader, according to information from “Krone.” And in the process, Chancellor Christian Stocker pulled off a real surprise coup: Ernst Gödl, a Styrian and previously the ÖVP’s security spokesperson, will succeed Wöginger and has already been officially elected to the position at the parliamentary group meeting.
ÖVP Demonstrates Unity
The unanimous vote had already become apparent early in the morning when he was greeted with prolonged applause upon arriving alongside his predecessor, Wöginger. The two flanked party leader Stocker as a sign of unity. Gödl himself expressed “great” surprise at having been nominated before the parliamentary group meeting.
“Attitude, accountability, and dedication” instead of grand statements
Stocker, Gödl, and Wöginger then appeared before the press together. Gödl stated: “I’ve had an incredibly exciting few hours since yesterday. I’m delighted to be standing here now as the elected club chairman. I have big shoes to fill; Wöginger is an exceptional figure for whom I have great respect.” He wants to continue leading the club with a steady hand and be an anchor in turbulent times. “I’m not one for big talk, and one of my guiding principles is attitude, accountability, and dedication!”
Gödl (54) was born in Graz, is a lawyer, and in 1995, at the age of 23, became Austria’s youngest mayor. He served as mayor of the municipality of Zwaring-Pöls until 2014. He was a member of the Styrian State Parliament from 2000 to 2010. In 2014, he was appointed to the Federal Council by the Styrian State Parliament.
According to information from “Krone,” other serious candidates included Secretary General Nico Marchetti, ÖVP Finance Spokesperson Andreas Ottenschläger, and Farmers’ Union President Georg Strasser.
Wöginger Remains ÖAAB Leader
Wöginger had announced his resignation on Monday following his conviction in the first instance in a trial for abuse of office. However, he retains his seat and also remains chairman of the ÖAAB, a powerful labor union within the party. According to reports, he also plans to run for this position again in the fall.
You can read about the day’s events surrounding the Postenschacher verdict in our live ticker.
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