Karoline Edtstadler will be the new Governor of Salzburg!

Karoline Edtstadler will be the new Governor of Salzburg!

Salzburg, Österreich - On January 9, 2025, the political landscape in Salzburg was shaped by a historical change: Karoline Edtstadler, the current Federal Constitutional Minister, will succeed Governor Wilfried Haslauer. As Orf Salzburg , Edtstadler was presented as a designated governor after Stefan Schnöll, who was considered his natural successor, decided not to take over both offices. This decision triggered skepticism among the government parties, in particular FPÖ, since the coalition agreement agreed that Schnöll should follow. Marlene Svazek, the deputy governor and state party leader of the FPÖ, expressed criticism, but admitted that she had a "personally good relationship" to Edtstadt.

This innovation is not only a structural change in state politics, but also a progress in relation to women in management positions. Exxpress emphasized that with Edtstadler and Svazek, two women are at the forefront of the Salzburg state government for the first time. While other federal states that are ruled by the SPÖ continue to have male leadership figures, Edtstadler and Svazek demonstrate a different reality. Edtstadler emphasized that the transition to state politics is the "most important step" of her career so far and that it feels good in Salzburg. The ÖVP, which is now in a head-to-head race with the FPÖ, relies on the strength of its new manager. According to the ORF Salzburg editor-in-chief Gerd Schneider, Edtstadler could be the decisive figure in the upcoming political race, especially with regard to the next elections 2028.

Edtstadler and Svazek are not unknown in politics. Edtstadler quickly climbed through the ranks, starting as a judge and later in various ministerial positions, while Svazek has been the chairman of the FPÖ Salzburg since her election in 2016 as an emerging young politician. With a historical personnel decision, a strong signal is now sent to the voters that women are not only possible in management positions, but also a reality.