Turning point in Vorarlberg: ÖVP has to fight for power in many cities!

Turning point in Vorarlberg: ÖVP has to fight for power in many cities!

Politics in Vorarlberg heads for exciting mayoral elections after the ÖVP no longer holds the absolute majority in most larger cities. Voters in the five largest communities have already made it clear in the past that they support various political alternatives. The People's Party in the cities such as Lustenau, Hard and Götzis can appear as the strongest force, but can no longer make decisions. In the state capital of Bregenz, the ÖVP was even deposed by the SPÖ in 2020, and Mayor Michael Ritsch knows that a tough election campaign awaits him, as already reported by Vorarlberg.orf.at.

On March 16, 2025, the Vorarlbergers have to hand in their voices again, and the ÖVP sees itself on the defensive. The new applicants in different communities could cause a surprise. The long -time mayor of Dornbirn, Andrea Kaufmann, is no longer moving into the race, and also in Lustenau, where Kurt Fischer no longer takes office, there is potential for changing power. The FPÖ, which is now hoping for an update in the state election in Styria after their record result in the state election in Styria, could increase in several municipalities. Especially in Bludenz, where Mario Leiter narrowly lost from the SPÖ a few years ago, everything indicates an exciting duel, as the Kurier.at reported.

competition for the mayoral posts

In the upcoming election campaign, the candidates are crucial. The FPÖ plans to strengthen its presence by additional former SPÖ voters. In communities such as Feldkirch, which is traditionally important for the ÖVP, hard competition is expected. Wolfgang Matt has already handed the office to Manfred Rädler, who now has to face new challenges against the FPÖ. There are also signs that there could be stab elections in several cities, which would consider the political climate considerably. While the ÖVP tries to defend its positions, the FPÖ strives to establish itself as a serious challenger and to expand their five current mayoral posts!