Styrian choice: FPÖ triumphs, SPÖ and ÖVP in a descent
Styrian choice: FPÖ triumphs, SPÖ and ÖVP in a descent
In Styria, the Freedom Party (FPÖ) recorded an impressive wave of growth in the state election on November 24th. With an election result of 34.8 percent, she doubled compared to the last election and thus secured first place. This development results in fundamental changes in the Styrian political landscape.
The big losers of this choice are the ÖVP and the SPÖ. While the ÖVP was only able to achieve 26.8 percent of the vote and lost almost ten percentage points, the SPÖ stagnates with 21.4 percent, which is the worst result for both parties since the Second World War. The Greens also fight because their proportion of voices has shrunk to only 6.2 percent, which almost means halving.
massive losses of the KPÖ
The dramatic losses of the Austria Communist Party (KPÖ), which are particularly noticeable in the strongly industrialized regions of Upper Styria, are particularly striking. In cities such as Leoben, Trofaiach and Knittelfeld, they lost more than half of their votes, while they were still able to reach over ten percent in Graz, the urban center. However, this result has decreased significantly compared to the prior election result, which forces the KPÖ to rethink its strategy.
The direct mandate in the constituency of Graz and Graz environment enables the KPÖ to continue to hold two mandates in the state parliament, despite a decline to 4.4 percent of the vote, which corresponds to a loss of 1.6 percentage points compared to the previous choice. Their difficulties are due to a comprehensive frustration among the population, which is reinforced by growing living costs and a wave of mass notice.
The position of the FPÖ and their critics
The FPÖ presents itself as the “party of the little man” and cleverly uses the dissatisfaction of the voters about social abuses and economic challenges. Despite ongoing investigations against some of its top officials, including the election winner Mario Kunasek, the party has strengthened its position. Critics argue that the FPÖ is nothing more than a "verbal thug troop of capital" that plays the poorest against the immigrants and relies on a rhetoric based on the lowest human instincts.
In view of the shrinking voter base, the question arises as to whether the long -term depletion of the workforce has devastating consequences by the SPÖ and its unions in Styrian politics. According to many voters, the demand for a combative alternative is more urgent than ever.Details on the results of the choice and their meaning are in an article by
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