Neos Salzburg: Josef Schellhorn fights to return to the top!

Neos Salzburg: Josef Schellhorn fights to return to the top!

Salzburg, Österreich - On May 23, 2025, the Neos party in Salzburg gathers to choose a new state spokesman. At this important general meeting, the chances are good that Josef Schellhorn, 58 years old and currently State Secretary for Deregulation, will be appointed as the new head of the party. The members have the election between Schellhorn and Ignacio Patt, a 26-year-old former member of the Federal Executive Board of the NEOS youth organization Junos, which has so far been less active. vienna.at reports of the upcoming elections and the clash of the two candidates, which is not only important for the Neos, but also for the political landscape of Salzburg.

Schellhorn is no stranger to Salzburg politics. He had already held the office of the state spokesman between the establishment of the party and in 2014 and from 2016 to 2021. His goal is to lead the NEOS back to the state government until the state election in 2028, since the party left the government and the state parliament in 2023. The party is currently being headed interim of Lukas Rupsch after Lisa Aldali resigned in office in January 2025 after one year. orf.at also reports that Schellhorn recently confirmed his application as a state spokesman in an interview with the "Kurier" and is looking forward to a "pinkes comeback".

A emphasized positive look at the future

Schellhorn itself expressed optimistic about the upcoming elections. "We have a lot to win and lose little," said the restaurateur and hotelier. Although it is unclear whether he will compete as a top candidate, he remains active in his function as State Secretary. This double function could prove to be a strategic advantage during the election campaign. Vol.at added that Schellhorn achieved 7.27 percent of the votes in the state election in 2018, which was used to form the "Dirndl-Coalition" with the ÖVP led.

The upcoming election on May 24, 2025 will be crucial for the further course of the NEOS in Salzburg. After a withdrawal from the state government, the party is looking for a strong leadership to realize its political ambitions for the next few years. Josef Schellhorn's role could not be more central, since he not only has experience, but also has the necessary network to bring the NEOS back to the top.