Markus Figl takes over as head of the Vienna ÖVP

The decision on the successor to Vienna ÖVP leader Karl Mahrer has been made: The district chairman of the Inner City, Markus Figl, was appointed as the new - initially acting - chairman in a meeting of the party's executive committee on Monday evening. Figl announced this in a brief press statement.

Figl: "Much to Discuss"

Previously, there was apparently a contested vote between him and the Döbling district chairman Daniel Resch. The meeting also lasted significantly longer than planned. Resch was unable to prevail there. However, he will lead the upcoming exploratory talks with the SPÖ.

"The meeting took a little longer, there was just a lot to discuss," Figl apologized for the longer wait. He did not elaborate on the specific course of the meeting. However, he reported "constructive and harmonious" discussions.

The task is a challenge that he accepts with humility, he noted. Today, the focus was not only on yesterday's election but especially on the future of the People's Party, Figl said. Details on the further course of action, such as the possible timing of a party conference for the chairman election, have not yet been announced.

Resch as City Councillor?

"It was intense hours, we used them well," Resch also referred to the duration of the presidency. They discussed substantive points for the negotiations: "I can promise you, the People's Party is very united and determined to start these exploratory talks positively."

If the ÖVP is indeed chosen as a coalition partner, Resch would then likely take on the available position of an executive city councilor or deputy mayor. This was communicated by a party spokesperson following the media statement. This procedure was agreed upon, it was said.

Losses for Vienna ÖVP

According to the preliminary final result, the ÖVP fell back below the 10 percent mark in the municipal council election, having previously been just over 20 percent. Party leader Mahrer resigned today as a result. Figl was his preferred candidate.

More on the Vienna election

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.