SPÖ celebrates new party leaders: Lercher in Styria, Fellner in Carinthia!

SPÖ celebrates new party leaders: Lercher in Styria, Fellner in Carinthia!

On September 20, 2025, a significant election took place within the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ). The SPÖ Lower Austria congratulated Max Lercher on his election as the new state party chairman in Styria. At the same time, Daniel Fellner was elected regional party chairman of the SPÖ Carinthia. Both elections were seen as important steps for the party to strengthen its position within the political spectrum.

Max Lercher is described by the SPÖ as an experienced fighter for social democracy. Sven Hergovich, the state party chairman in Lower Austria, and state manager Wolfgang Zwander expressed their delight at Lercher's successful election and the opportunities that arise from it. Daniel Fellner, who can also look back on a long-standing political career, was characterized as a down-to-earth and experienced state councilor. Hergovich and Zwander wished Fellner every success in his new role as state party chairman.

Daniel Fellner: A path in politics

Daniel Fellner, born on January 19, 1977 in Wolfsberg, Carinthia, brings a diverse background to his new position. Since April 12, 2018, he has been working as a regional councilor in the Carinthian state government under Peter Kaiser, where he has taken on important tasks in areas such as municipalities, spatial planning, fire services and disaster control. Fellner completed training at the Higher Technical College for Industrial Engineering and completed his military service in 1996.

His political involvement began early. From 2015 to 2018 he was also the first deputy mayor of St. Andrä before being appointed to the state government as a state councilor. After his election on September 20, 2025, Fellner received 96.39 percent of the vote, underlining his popularity within the party. He has clear goals for his future role: He wants to further strengthen the SPÖ in Carinthia and work for social justice.

The SPÖ and its development

The Austrian Social Democratic Party, whose values ​​include social equality and advocacy for workers' rights, has a long history dating back to the 19th century. It was founded as the Socialist Workers' Party in 1888 and has had a significant influence on the country's political landscape ever since. Over the years, the SPÖ has campaigned for essential social reforms and voting rights.

The election of Daniel Fellner and Max Lercher is seen as part of the SPÖ's efforts to prepare for the coming challenges and to pursue a clear line within the party. While the SPÖ has recently suffered some loss of votes, it remains one of the central forces in Austrian politics and is striving to win back and rejuvenate its voter base.

The SPÖ looks forward to cooperation across national borders, which underlines the importance of these elections. Strategies to strengthen the party are now being intensively discussed as the new leaders present their ideas and visions for the future.