Winkler for SPÖ boss: a new course for Upper Austria?

Winkler for SPÖ boss: a new course for Upper Austria?

Linz, Österreich - On April 22, 2025, there was significant news for the SPÖ Upper Austria in Linz. Martin Winkler, a 61-year-old entrepreneur, was unanimously proposed as a candidate for the state party chair, this report both vienna.at href = "https://www.kleinezeitung.at/politik/innenspolitung/19604635/parteiGemien-nominions-winkler-als-a-oee-state party leader" class = "source_2"> kleinezeitung.at . The announcement was made in a press conference, which was led by Alois Stöger, the managing party chairman, and Nicole Trudenberger, the state manager. The members of the party now have the opportunity to submit support declarations for Winkler.

Winkler competes as the state council and top candidate for the 2027 state election. In this context, Alois Stöger described Winkler as a "returnee" and referred to his contributions previously made in the party. Winkler will be bound by the already presented program, which serves the support of the members who have to submit at least 250 signatures from three districts by May 23, 2025.

important deadlines and election modalities

The election commission is planning its session for May 26th. By April 30, all eligible voters must have paid their membership fees in order to be able to participate in the upcoming digital direct election, which takes place from May 28th to June 16. The result of the election is expected to be published on June 17th. It is important that at least 15 percent of the members have to participate in the vote, otherwise the election will be repeated on the state party conference on September 13th.

The new party leader is to be nominated on June 30 by the state party executive and recommended to the state parliament. Winkler expressed the desire to represent a party that focuses on the needs of the citizens and focuses on values ​​such as performance, respect and security. He hopes for a turnout of at least 30 percent.

political challenges and goals

A central focus of Winkler will be the 2027 state election campaign. He plans to develop formats that are specifically geared towards young voters to win back voters who may have migrated to the FPÖ for the SPÖ. In his statements, Winkler left open to his political point of view and strategic considerations whether working with the FPÖ was sought.

Another important aspect of his agenda is the strengthening of the Upper Austria industrial location, including the need to equip it with environmentally friendly energy and a modern infrastructure. Winkler also emphasizes the special challenges in front of which his home state is currently standing.

The state election in Upper Austria, which took place on September 26, 2021, brought the SPÖ eleven mandates in the legislative period at that time. The party continues to fight to claim their position in the state parliament where it is struggling with the FPÖ. The election results of the past elections show the challenges that the SPÖ has to face in order to anchor itself more in the political spectrum. The last choice was characterized by a strong entry of new parties such as the MFG and the decline in traditional votes for established parties such as the FPÖ and the SPÖ, as shown in the explanations for the last election results, the Wikipedia documented.

Winkler is supported by party leader Andreas Babler and the Burgenland governor Hans Peter Doskozil. He describes himself as a "no professional politician", but sees himself as a fresh air for the SPÖ in Upper Austria. In the coming autumn he is planning to present a new team to be young, female and diverse.