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Electoral reform in the farmers' parliament: ÖVP loses profits!
The Chamber of Agriculture election in Salzburg shows losses for the ÖVP farmers' association and increasing voter fatigue among voters.
Electoral reform in the farmers' parliament: ÖVP loses profits!
The Chamber of Agriculture election in Salzburg on Sunday brought with it some setbacks for the ÖVP farmers' association. The previous election winner only received 73.3 percent of the vote, which corresponds to a loss of 5.8 percentage points. This means that the ÖVP will have 21 of the 28 seats in the general assembly over the next five years, compared to 24 seats in 2020. Voter turnout fell to a worrying 34.8 percent, a decline of almost ten percentage points. The Independent Farmers' Association (UBV) finished as the second largest group with 13.7 percent, which corresponds to an increase of 1.0 percentage points and four mandates. A striking increase was also recorded among the Freedom Peasants, which now holds 10.4 percent and three mandates, an increase of 6.7 percentage points.
The SPÖ farmers once again remained without mandates and only received 2.6 percent of the vote. These gains and losses of votes are reflected in a context that encompasses both political uncertainties at the federal level and in the EU. Rupert Quehenberger, the farmers' association's top candidate, expressed satisfaction with the result, despite the challenges that will have to be overcome in the coming years. The focus must be on a fair income perspective for smaller companies and the reduction of bureaucracy. “Companies should work, not fill out papers,” he emphasized.
Voting rights redefined
Around 35,500 natural and legal persons were eligible to vote in this election, an increase of 2,500 compared to 2020. The new law on the Chamber of Agriculture election expanded the eligible voters so that relatives of business owners can now also vote, provided they work on the business and are subject to compulsory pension insurance. This innovation led to an increased number of voting rights, with a large number of legal entities, such as federal forest companies, also being able to cast their votes. This change could further increase the influence of decision-makers in the Chamber of Agriculture.
The results of this election are not only important for the Chamber of Farmers, but can also have an impact on future agricultural policy in Salzburg. Watch for how fragmentation in this election will impact farm policy negotiations.