Reinhold Maier was re-elected police chairman with 98.4%!

Reinhold Maier was re-elected police chairman with 98.4%!

On November 7, 2025, Reinhold Maier was re-elected chairman of the AUF Police Section with an impressive 98.4 percent of the vote. He accepted the delegates' trust with joy and humility and emphasized the need to stand up for the police officers. Maier is the FPÖ's deputy security spokesman and calls for the police to be further strengthened as a strong voice within the executive branch.

In his speech, Maier highlighted the remarkable achievements of the police, despite increasing challenges and pressures. He called for a clear attitude based on appreciation, backbone and honesty. Maier and the AUF promised not to abandon the police in order to achieve real improvements.

Criticism of cuts in police training

The current situation in police training caused a stir. More than 400 training positions were canceled for September, which Maier described as a security policy scandal. He blames the ÖVP-led federal government for these cuts and warns of a possible personnel shortage in 2027, when many police officers will retire due to age.

“The cuts are letting young people who have decided on a career in the police down,” criticized Maier. He described the Home Office's statement that probabilities should not be relied upon as disrespectful and described the claim of overcrowded police schools as an attempt to obscure responsibility. His demands include the reversal of the cuts as well as more transparency about personnel planning until 2027 and promises for successful applicants.

Training measures and personnel planning

With regard to training measures, the Ministry of the Interior emphasizes that personnel requirements decisions are based on internal calculation models. External factors have no influence on the planning, which is carried out independently taking into account medium and long-term developments. There are currently more than 3,840 people in training in order to maintain the level of departures and new admissions. A staffing level that is at its highest level has been achieved in almost all federal states, with the exception of Vienna and Vorarlberg.

Training courses are planned in all federal states in March and September for 2026. These courses are based on forecasts of future staff departures, particularly for 2028. Planning is continually evaluated and adjusted to meet the needs of the police force. It is important that there were no last-minute cancellations of course places that had already been confirmed and that the police students were called up at least one month before the course began.

Maier emphasizes the importance of internal security being the top priority, which begins with solid training for future police officers. His commitment to a strong police force is reflected in the challenges and responsibilities he took on during his re-election.

ots.at reports that…
auf.at provides information about the cuts...
bmi.gv.at explains the planning of the training measures...