Styria votes: FPÖ triumphs! Mario Kunasek becomes the new state governor!

Styria votes: FPÖ triumphs! Mario Kunasek becomes the new state governor!

The FPÖ election winner in Styria, Mario Kunasek, has taken a surprising step and chosen the ÖVP as a coalition partner. This marks the formation of the fifth black-blue/blue-black government coalition and increases the pressure on Chancellor Karl Nehammer. The decision came just a week after the election and shows that Kunasek achieved an impressive 35 percent, a better result than federal party leader Herbert Kickl, who only received 28.8 percent in the national election. Kunasek is considered an “anti-Kickl” in the FPÖ because he takes a friendlier approach and is able to work with various partners, such as Krone.at reported.

Political implications and challenges

The election of Styrian governor also has significant internal party consequences for the FPÖ and its federal leader Herbert Kickl. Kunasek's victory not only strengthens his position, but could also change the dynamics within the FPÖ. While Kickl's authoritarian leadership was often caught in the crossfire, Kunasek offers a more charismatic face. The FPÖ can now enjoy power in several federal states, including Upper Austria and Salzburg, and is therefore gaining influence Falter.at reported.

In its election program, the FPÖ made numerous promises, such as redesigning social welfare and new measures in family policy. With Kunasek at the helm, some of these plans could face resistance, especially since many of the proposed changes depend on the federal government. Critics also fear that the FPÖ in the state of Styria could make decisions in favor of popular culture and at the expense of the independent cultural scene. This could not only affect social aspects in Styria, but also influence the general political landscape in Austria.