Wiener ÖVP in the crisis: Is Karl Mahrer before resignation?

Wiener ÖVP in the crisis: Is Karl Mahrer before resignation?

Wien, Österreich - The Viennese ÖVP is on the crossroads: Party leader Karl Mahrer, who is charged with infidelity, faces growing internal resistances. Current surveys indicate drastic losses for the party, which still achieved 20 percent of the votes in 2020. In a recent explanation, Mahrer emphasized that the indictment would not have a negative impact on the upcoming elections and that he was optimistic of leading the party as a top candidate. As vienna.at , he firmly believes that it is time for a bourgeois turn in Vienna to address challenges such as the high youth unemployment and adjoining.

inner struggles and adapted strategies

With the publication of the indictment, the internal power game has ignited within the ÖVP. Walter Ruck, Presidency of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, represents a threat to Mahrer's claim for leadership and was concerned about the dangers that the situation harbors for the party. "It is a very serious situation," warned Ruck, as zackzack.at . While the media forecast Mahr's departure before the elections, according to internal information, it could be unlikely that he will resign before the election. Nevertheless, Mahrer should go to the election with a strongly weakened mandate.

The ÖVP is now devoting itself to the strategic reorganization and could use Mahrer as a peasant victim to promote renewal after the elections. Forecasts indicate a decline in deputies to 10 to 12 places, which could result in fundamental changes in the party management. According to reports, Nico Marchetti, a liberal politician, could potentially become Mahrer's successor if the current situation cannot be averted.