Tradition or progress? Gralla elects the first female mayor!

Tradition or progress? Gralla elects the first female mayor!

In the 2,900-inhabitant community of Gralla, idyllically located in southern Styria, the upcoming election campaign is causing excitement. Tanja Fauland-Gratz (SPÖ) made history as the municipality's first female mayor and is now taking on the challenge of defending her position. How orf.at reports, the mayor wants to stop the increasing population pressure and is planning measures to reduce building density. “There are only two-story buildings left,” says Fauland-Gratz, who takes a clear stance on the development of her community.

Political opponents react prudently to female leadership. Anton Jahrbacher (ÖVP) says that gender is irrelevant to cooperation as long as respectful treatment is maintained. The ÖVP's focus is on youth and leisure activities, including the creation of new leisure spaces for children and young people. Engelbert Götzenauer from the FPÖ also emphasizes the need to preserve the rural character of the community and sees stopping the influx as crucial. As gralla.at states, the municipality is one of the youngest in Styria and at the same time an interesting field for political competition, as only 29 of the 285 municipalities are led by women.

Mayor Fauland-Gratz faces the challenge of inspiring not only her constituents, but also potential women in leadership positions. She emphasizes that women often make decisions differently, and possibly better, than men. The upcoming election campaign will show whether voters in Gralla are ready to follow this message and support a woman at the head of their community.