First Reactions of the Parties to the State Election in Burgenland 2025

The projection for the Burgenland state election on Sunday caused great jubilation at the FPÖ. Top candidate Norbert Hofer was pleased that the Freedom Party could more than double its share to 22.8 percent compared to the 2020 election. "For us, the result is of course very pleasing," he said at the Freedom Party's club in the Eisenstadt Landhaus.

State Election in Burgenland: Great Jubilation at FPÖ

As the bar for the Freedom Party moved upwards, a murmur went through the crowd, followed by applause. Hofer was pleased about the significant increase. They had gained a lot - "as the only party," said the former Third National Council President. The FPÖ gained about 13 percentage points. In 2020, they had achieved 9.8 percent under the impression of the Ibiza affair.

Hofer: Government Formation will be "Very Exciting"

The only downside: "Of course, I would have preferred if no coalition could have been possible without us," Hofer said. Celebrating with him were, among others, National Council President Walter Rosenkranz, State Party Chairman Alexander Petschnig and Club Chairman Johann Tschürtz.

The often-discussed option in advance, that Hofer could become governor in a coalition with the ÖVP, is not possible according to the projection. The only option against the SPÖ would be a government of the People's Party, Freedom Party and the Greens - rather unlikely, as Hofer found. Governor Hans Peter Doskozil (SPÖ) is now on the move to find a partner. If he were invited, he would have talks with him, Hofer emphasized. The formation of the government will be "very exciting" in the coming weeks.

In an interview with ORF, Hofer reiterated that he wants to stay in Burgenland - even without a government office. The 2028 presidential election is therefore not an issue for him.

Club Chairman Tschürtz Wants to "Definitely" Govern with SPÖ

State Party Chairman Petschnig spoke of a "sensational, historical result" and thanked the people of Burgenland for their support. The ball is now in the SPÖ's court. The Freedom Party is of course ready for coalition talks, he emphasized: "If they call us, we are very happy to go into government negotiations."

Club Chairman Johann Tschürtz expressed even more clearly for a government participation. He told APA that he was "glad that we are second," and now wants to "definitely" govern with the SPÖ: "That would even be a two-thirds majority."

On this election day, there is a winner and that is Norbert Hofer with his team, declared Salzburg's FPÖ leader Marlene Svazek. Hofer not only broke the absolute majority of the SPÖ, but also achieved second place. The success is the "result of an honest policy on the side of the citizens," congratulated the Salzburg FP leader.

Puchwein Sees "Burgenland Way Confirmed"

SPÖ state managing director Jasmin Puchwein saw the "Burgenland way" confirmed after the first projection. Regarding the fact that the election goal, to hold the 18th mandate, so that no state government is possible against the SPÖ, was not achieved, she said it was still necessary to wait for the final result. She also left open with whom the first conversation about a possible coalition could be conducted.

"If you work well and a lot for the people, you get a lot back. We have shown that politics pays off for the people," said Puchwein. All over Europe, governing parties are being punished: "Not with us," she was pleased.

The projection has only been known for a few minutes, state party leader Hans Peter Doskozil will now discuss the next steps with his team: "Nothing has been staked out yet. It's about content," emphasized the state managing director. "Let's wait and see what happens. The goal was for the Burgenland way to continue and it has been confirmed," said Puchwein, regarding the fact that the 18th mandate could not be held.

Babler Is Pleased That "Burgenland Remains Red"

The election result in Burgenland is a relief for the federal SPÖ. "Burgenland remains red, a blue-black majority could be prevented - good news for all Burgenlanders," declared party leader Andreas Babler on the short message service X. He congratulated the Burgenland governor, who is known as an internal critic of the Babler course, as well as the entire SPÖ Burgenland "on their election success".

Federal Managing Director Klaus Seltenheim also spoke of a "great success for social democracy in Burgenland". The SPÖ Burgenland rightly enjoys "the trust of the population," said Seltenheim in a statement, because it has "highlighted those issues that have scored points in recent years and made Burgenland better: affordable living, comprehensive health care for all, fair wages, educational justice through free all-day kindergarten and free tutoring, a strong economy through the promotion of SMEs and commitment to climate protection and energy transition".

Red State Representatives See "Stunning" Result

The Styrian SPÖ leader Max Lercher, a long-time companion and supporter of Doskozil, congratulated the Burgenland governor on the "stunning" election result: "Despite a very difficult starting position, Hans Peter Doskozil and the SPÖ Burgenland were able to achieve a great result. In the midst of a Europe-wide shift to the right, FPÖ and ÖVP in Burgenland together have fewer votes than social democracy. This shows that a policy with a clear edge, which takes care of the reality of people's lives, also holds in these times. With a fact-based policy, oriented towards the worries and needs of the population, even the rise of a liberal party with its populism can be stopped."

The SPÖ Upper Austria was pleased that despite the loss of the absolute majority, the Reds in Burgenland "clearly enjoy the greatest trust of the voters". State Managing Director Florian Koppler found it particularly important that it should not have been possible for "FPÖ and ÖVP to forge an immoral alliance against Governor Doskozil - against the will of the voters".

"Vote Out" of the Blue-Black Coalition

Vorarlberg's SPÖ leader Mario Leiter saw in the election result an "impressive signal from the Burgenlanders for stability, social justice and a clear social democratic handwriting". Governor Hans Peter Doskozil had shown that people trusted his politics. Leiter identified the ÖVP as the big election loser. "This result cannot be seen independently of how the ÖVP federal party behaves," Leiter stated. On Sunday, not only was there a success for the SPÖ, but also a vote out of a blue-black coalition at the federal level.

"Today is a day of joy for the entire Social Democracy", congratulated Salzburg's SPÖ leader Peter Eder in a press release. Doskozil had shown that with "consistent and citizen-friendly politics, the hearts and votes of the people can be won." The Burgenland SPÖ chairman proves that it is possible to convince people with solutions rather than populist slogans, even in challenging times, Eder said.

"Hans Peter Doskozil achieves with his course what currently no other politician in Austria at the state or federal level achieves: clear results in close proximity to the absolute majority in a parliamentary election", reacted Wolfgang Zwander, state manager of the SPÖ Lower Austria, on the short message service X. He sent a "warm congratulations to Dosko & his team in Eisenstadt".

Statement from Doskozil to Come Later

The red top candidate Doskozil followed the projection in his governor's office with his closest team. There were no statements initially, he was only available for photos and video recordings. A first statement was announced after the round of top candidates at around 6 pm.

Among the guests in the governor's office were the government team, state parliament president Robert Hergovich, Doskozil's predecessor Hans Niessl, the new Styrian state party chairman Max Lercher and the state management, but not representatives of the federal party. When the projection and the individual values were displayed, applause broke out, followed by congratulations and back patting - and a kiss for Doskozil from his wife Julia.

NEOS Missed Entry into Burgenland State Parliament

The NEOS missed the entry into the Burgenland state parliament. National Council member Yannick Shetty was still optimistic in the first interviews. "A plus is a plus," Shetty told ORF about the increase of 0.1 percentage points in the first projection. "We have never been so good before." However, he admitted: "We would have wished for more." Looking ahead, he said: "We will build on what we have achieved."

When asked whether it was a mistake to commit to the opposition role in Burgenland from the outset, Shetty replied: It is "tragic for Burgenland that the other parties will now vie to make it even cheaper for Doskozil." He added that in the end it was a duel between SPÖ top candidate Hans Peter Doskozil and the FPÖ list first Norbert Hofer.

Asked a little later by Puls 24 whether the performance in this election was related to the decision of the federal party to withdraw from coalition negotiations, Shetty denied a connection. "The voters know that there are different elections at different levels."

Secretary General Douglas Hoyos also looked ahead. "Even though the increase is not enough for entry into the state parliament, we take on the task as a 'controlling force' in the fight against the red network with energy and immediately start working on the municipal election 27," Hoyos said on the X news service.

NEOS-Schneider: "We have rubbed people the wrong way"

NEOS top candidate Christoph Schneider tries to spread optimism despite the clear missed entry into the Burgenland state parliament. "We have never been as visible as we are now," he announced to his team. "We were loud, we have rubbed people the wrong way. People understand our message, they have reacted positively." The population now knows, "that we do not side with (Governor Hans Peter, note) Doskozil, but with the people of Burgenland."

According to the second projection, the NEOS are at 1.9 percent. That's 0.2 percentage points more than in the last Burgenland election.

In the ORF discussion round with the other top candidates, Schneider announced that he would remain head of the pink state party and try to make it into the state parliament in the next election. According to the projection at 5:33 p.m., the NEOS are at 2.0 percent. That's 0.3 percentage points more than in the last Burgenland election.

Sagartz finds the result "disappointing"

For the Burgenland ÖVP top candidate Christian Sagartz, the result of the first projection after the state election is "disappointing". It is "not a good day for us as a people's party," he said in a written statement to the APA. State Managing Director Patrik Fazekas expressed similar sentiments. He attributed the reasons for the worst ÖVP result in Burgenland so far to an unfavorable political climate for the ÖVP.

In addition, they had "two political heavyweights" as opponents, the state managing director referred to the top candidates Hans Peter Doskozil (SPÖ) and Norbert Hofer (FPÖ). The SPÖ's absolute majority may be history - but there was no majority for the change sought by the ÖVP. However, they still want to take on government responsibility.

The results and the election campaign will be analyzed at the state party executive meeting tomorrow Monday, Sagartz said during an ORF top candidate round. Asked whether he would remain party chairman, he said it would be unfair to anticipate anything. They will discuss openly and honestly, he will answer questions on Monday.

Federal ÖVP disappointed about "painful losses"

The Federal ÖVP is disappointed with the result of the state election in Burgenland. Secretary General Alexander Pröll spoke of "painful losses" after the publication of the projections. At the same time, however, SPÖ Governor Hans Peter Doskozil will have to look for a partner in the future, said Pröll: "It is a pity that the Burgenland People's Party has to accept a loss of votes despite its good work and its committed election campaign."

The ÖVP attributes its poor performance to the "challenging situation at the federal level" and a media focus on the duel between Governor Doskozil and the FPÖ's top candidate Norbert Hofer. "This escalation has cost important votes", even though Hofer "fell short of high expectations", emphasized Pröll.

Federal Greens' Re-entry "Huge Success"

For Olga Voglauer, Secretary General of the Federal Green Party, the performance of the Greens in the Burgenland state elections feels like a "huge success" despite moderate losses in votes. If the result of the first projection holds, the Greens with their two mandates will now "be the deciding factor", Voglauer said on Sunday at the Eisenstadt state house.

Regarding a government cooperation with the SPÖ, the ball is now in Governor Hans Peter Doskozil's (SPÖ) court, according to Voglauer. The Greens are ready to take responsibility and implement progressive politics in Burgenland. "With the Greens, a different vision would be possible in Burgenland than that of the concrete pourers", said Voglauer.

Greens Want to Co-govern

Green state spokesperson and top candidate Anja Haider Wallner reacted with relief to the first projection of the outcome of the Burgenland state elections. The Greens remain in the state parliament - and want to co-govern: "The ball is now in Governor Hans Peter Doskozil's court. He can go into the past with blue or into the future with green. We are ready to take responsibility."

The Greens would be ready for talks and have "many ideas on how we can make Burgenland more livable", said Haider-Wallner in an initial written statement. The danger that the Greens would not make it into the state parliament was real: "Some had already written us off." She is therefore pleased that a comeback and a "solid/good result" was achieved and the mandates could be maintained.

Relief about the re-entry into the Burgenland state parliament was also felt in the bursting club room of the Greens in the Eisenstadt state house after the first projection. "A weight has been lifted from my heart," said state managing director Marita Demattio. The current events at the federal level around blue-black certainly provided a tailwind, Demattio noted. In the country, a government mandate for the Greens is now seen.

Vienna's Greens Pleased About "Turnaround"

The Vienna Greens, who also have an election to fight soon, congratulated. "The Greens are back in the state parliament and have initiated a turnaround with a comeback against the polls. This means that climate protection and soil protection, transparency and the preservation of village centers are again strongly represented in the Burgenland state parliament," party leader Judith Pühringer was pleased in a statement sent to the APA.

"You can count on us Greens," commented Tyrol's Green club chairman Gebi Mair on the election result in Burgenland. The Greens had already been written off, but now the party is "even in a strategically advantageous position". The election result also shows that "even for the Freedom Party, dreams of absolute majorities do not grow into the sky" and also what people think of the "broken promises" of the People's Party.

The Green Party of Burgenland has "shown what is possible with commitment and a clear message," stated Hikmet Arslan, the party's state manager in Lower Austria. They have "absolutely achieved a good result." "Especially in times like these, we need critical, green voices more than ever," Arslan emphasized.

Government Participation "Beautiful Vision"

The Styrian Green Party leader Sandra Krautwaschl also expressed her pleasure about the Greens remaining in the Burgenland state parliament: "Considering the difficult situation we are in, it is pleasing that we apparently managed to hold both mandates. A big thank you goes to the people in Burgenland who have placed their trust in us Greens. They are slowly realizing that it will be very important for the future if the Greens have a say in the state parliaments."

One reason for holding the mandates might have been that the issue of preserving our livelihoods and fair social balance no longer comes up in discussions and negotiations at the federal level. She did not want to make a recommendation as to whether the Greens should go into a possible government with Doskozil, but it is a "beautiful vision" of a government in which the Greens also stand up for the things they were elected for, Krautwaschl said.

Molnar: "I'm Doing Well"

Geza Molnar, the top candidate of the Liste Hausverstand, has "clearly missed" entering the state parliament, he admitted to the APA on Sunday afternoon: "The conditions and circumstances were difficult. I thank each and every voter." And: "I'm doing well. I'm glad I did it," he further explained.

Eisenstadt. When asked whether the former FPÖ politician could now work again with the Freedom Party, Molnar said: "There are currently no considerations, but I don't want to rule anything out."

Everything about the Burgenland election

(APA/Red)

Die Wiener Grünen, die demnächst ebenfalls eine Wahl zu schlagen haben, gratulierten. "Die Grünen ziehen wieder in den Landtag ein und haben mit einer Aufholjagd gegenüber den Umfragen eine Trendwende eingeleitet. Damit sind Klimaschutz und Bodenschutz, Transparenz und der Erhalt der Ortskerne wieder stark im Burgenländischen Landtag vertreten", freute sich Parteichefin Judith Pühringer in einem der APA übermittelten Statement.

"Mit uns Grünen ist zu rechnen", kommentierte Tirols Grünen-Klubobmann Gebi Mair das Wahlergebnis im Burgenland. Man habe die Grünen schon totgesagt, nun sei die Partei aber "sogar in einer strategisch vorteilhaften Position". Das Wahlergebnis zeige außerdem, dass "selbst für die Freiheitlichen die Träume von absoluten Mehrheiten nicht in den Himmel wachsen" und auch, was die Menschen "von den gebrochenen Versprechen" der Volkspartei halten.

Die Grünen Burgenland hätten "gezeigt, was mit Engagement und einer klaren Botschaft möglich ist", stellte Hikmet Arslan, Landesgeschäftsführer der Partei in Niederösterreich, fest. Sie hätten "absolut ein gutes Ergebnis" eingefahren. "Gerade in Zeiten wie diesen braucht es kritische, grüne Stimmen mehr denn je", betonte Arslan.

Regierungsbeteiligung "schöne Vision"

Auch die steirische Grünen-Chefin Sandra Krautwaschl zeigte sich über den Verbleib der Grünen im burgenländischen Landtag erfreut: "Es ist angesichts der schwierigen Lage, in der wir sind, erfreulich, dass wir offenbar beide Mandate halten konnten. Ein großer Dank gilt den Menschen im Burgenland, die uns Grünen das Vertrauen geschenkt haben. Sie sehen langsam, dass es doch sehr wichtig für die Zukunft sein wird, wenn Grüne in den Landtagen etwas zu sagen haben."

Mit ein Grund für das Halten der Mandate dürfte gewesen sein, dass das Thema des Erhalts unserer Lebensgrundlagen und des fairen sozialen Ausgleichs überhaupt nicht mehr in den Gesprächen und Verhandlungen auf Bundesebene vorkomme. Eine Empfehlung, ob die Grünen mit Doskozil in eine mögliche Regierung gehen sollten, wolle sie nicht abgeben, aber es sei eine "schöne Vision" einer Regierung, in der auch die Grünen für die Dinge eintreten, für die sie gewählt wurden, meinte Krautwaschl.

Molnar: "Mir geht es gut"

Liste Hausverstand-Spitzenkandidat Geza Molnar hat den Einzug in den Landtag "deutlich verfehlt", räumte er am Sonntagnachmittag gegenüber der APA ein: "Die Rahmenbedingungen und Umstände waren schwierig. Ich bedanke mich bei jedem einzelnen Wähler." Und: "Mirgehtesgut. Ich bin froh, dass ich das gemacht habe", erklärte er weiters.

Eisenstadt. Auf die Frage, ob der ehemalige FPÖ-Politiker nun wieder bei den Freiheitlichen mitarbeiten könnte, sagte Molnar: "Momentan gibt es keine Überlegungen, aber ich will nichts ausschließen."

Alles zur Burgenland-Wahl

(APA/Red)

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