Vorarlberg elections: ÖVP loses, FPÖ triumphs-the upcoming coalition negotiations

Vorarlberg elections: ÖVP loses, FPÖ triumphs-the upcoming coalition negotiations

A trend -setting choice took place in Vorarlberg, the results of which could have far -reaching effects on the political landscape of the region. The preliminary end results show that the ÖVP remains the leading party with 38.3 percent of the vote, but must cope with a decrease of 5.3 percentage points compared to the last election. A remarkable event is the dramatic increase in the FPÖ, which doubled to 28 percent and has thus achieved a record result. This means a significant success for the FPÖ top candidate Christof Bitschi, especially after the party had lost many voters five years ago after the Ibiza affair.

The Greens have withdrawn to third place with 12.5 percent, which represents a decline of over six points compared to the last election. The SPÖ follows with 9.1 percent, just ahead of the Neos, which at 8.9 percent could only grow minimally. With regard to the resulting coalition options, it can be seen that the ÖVP could negotiate with two possible partners - the FPÖ or the Greens. Governor Markus Wallner has already emphasized and plans his “clear order” of the voter to have talks with all parties from Tuesday.

coalition negotiations and possible changes

Wallner commented on the potential coalitions without giving a clear preference. However, the FPÖ seems to have good chances of participating in the government due to the result. Bitschi, who heads the FPÖ, explains that after 15 years he is hoping again in a leading role. His conditions for talks are open, which means that there are no preconditions in the room. He only wants to clarify questions about the occupation of the state governor at the end of the negotiations.

The FPÖ was particularly strong in the smaller communities and added significant loss of votes there. Nevertheless, the People's Party in larger cities, such as Bregenz, was less able to lose and stabilize something. Nevertheless, it is disappointing for the ÖVP that she had to hand over the leadership position to the FPÖ in cities such as Lustenau and Hohenems.

The Greens, who are now in danger of slipping into the opposition after ten years of government participation, faces a new reality. Her top candidate Daniel Zadra emphasizes that it is now at the ÖVP to define the next steps. While the SPÖ and the NEOS also found their election results to be disappointing, there are currently no discussions about the change of personnel.

A positive aspect of the choice is the turnout, which shows a significant increase compared to 61 percent four years ago with over 68 percent. This seems to be the election tiredness of the voters in Vorarlberg in this round, which indicates a strong interest in the electoral developments.

For more precise analyzes of these election events and their importance, The report by apa.at Perspectives.