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 in 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.

Speaking to ORF, Hofer reiterated his desire 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 spoke even more clearly in favor of participating in the government. He told APA he was "glad that we are second," and now wants to "definitely" govern with the SPÖ: "That would even be a two-thirds majority".

Rosenkranz Celebrates "Historical Result" for FPÖ

Walter Rosenkranz, the President of the National Council (FPÖ), was pleased with the state party's "historically best result" after the forecast for the state election in Burgenland. He was "very happy" and congratulated top candidate Norbert Hofer, whose return to Burgenland had now been rewarded, Rosenkranz told APA. However, he did not see a blue government participation as a must. "One does not have to submit just to govern, for its own sake alone."

If there is no government participation, the FPÖ will be a "strong, profiled and professional opposition". He could well imagine Hofer in both roles, Rosenkranz said with a smile: "One could almost say: We Freedom Party members can do anything in politics."

FPÖ Secretary General Michael Schnedlitz was "very satisfied and very grateful" during his visit to the Freedom Party's parliamentary group in Eisenstadt. He thanked the voters: "We are now ready to work and give this trust back to the people in Burgenland." He was convinced that Hofer was "the best man". Government participation would be desirable from his point of view, but now it was up to Governor Hans Peter Doskozil (SPÖ). "The next few days will seriously show where the journey is going," he emphasized.

Kunasek: "Political Reversal of Trend Confirmed"

Mario Kunasek, the Styrian governor (FPÖ), saw the result of the Freedom Party in Burgenland as a confirmation of the "political reversal of trend in Austria". He congratulated Hofer and was pleased that the SPÖ may have lost the absolute majority: "Across Austria, people can increasingly identify with Freedom Party content, as today's election result has proven."

Kunasek recognized a "strong desire for political change in the population". The voter's vote shows "that the people of Burgenland also long for a Freedom Party signature in the future state government in their federal state".

Manfred Haimbuchner, Upper Austria's state party leader and deputy governor, congratulated the FPÖ Burgenland and Hofer on the "historically best result and second place in the state election". The result also clearly showed for him: "The citizens want a political change."

Landbauer Pleased About the Fall of the Red "Absolute"

FPÖ Lower Austria state party chairman Deputy Governor Udo Landbauer spoke of a "historic electoral success" in Burgenland. The courage, determination and honesty of top candidate Norbert Hofer had been rewarded. The FPÖ in Burgenland is "as strong as never before" and was the only party that could clearly gain. "The fact that the SPÖ absolute has fallen rounds off this pleasing election day," said Landbauer in a statement.

Vienna's FPÖ leader Dominik Nepp congratulated on a "clear increase and the historically best result". Now, after the Vienna election, there also needs to be honest politics and fairness for those people who keep this city running, he referred to the ballot taking place at the end of April. "In addition, those Viennese who have innocently fallen into need due to the economic situation must finally be supported. The FPÖ will fight for this in Vienna with all its might."

Vorarlberg's FPÖ state party chairman Christof Bischi saw the Burgenland election result as confirming the "successful run" of the Freedom Party. Referring to the FPÖ's gains, Bitschi noted that "voters in Burgenland also want a change". It remains to be seen whether Governor Hans Peter Doskozil is ready to "end the SPÖ's exclusion course against us Freedom Party members" in his search for a government partner.

On this election day, there is one 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", the Salzburg FP leader congratulated.

Puchwein Confirms "Burgenland Way"

SPÖ State Manager Jasmin Puchwein confirmed the "Burgenland Way" after the first projection. Regarding the fact that the election goal of holding the 18th mandate, so that no state government is possible against the SPÖ, was not achieved, she said that the final result still needs to be awaited. She also left open with whom the first conversation about a possible coalition could be held.

"If you work hard 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 is set yet. It's about content," emphasized the state manager. "Let's wait and see what happens. The goal was for the Burgenland Way to continue and it was confirmed," said Puchwein about the fact that the 18th mandate could not be held.

Babler Pleased That "Burgenland Remains Red"

The election result in Burgenland brings relief to the federal SPÖ. "Burgenland remains red, a blue-black majority could be prevented - good news for all Burgenlanders," said 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 the election success".

Federal Manager 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 the Social Democrats. 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 that is oriented towards the worries and needs of the population, the rise of a liberal party with its populism can also 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 Manager 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 Burgenlanders for stability, social justice and a clear social democratic handwriting". Governor Hans Peter Doskozil has shown that people trust 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 Democratic Party," congratulated Salzburg's SPÖ leader Peter Eder in a press release. Doskozil has 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 immediate 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".

Kaiser: Success "An Incentive for Us All"

The SPÖ in Tyrol saw the election result in Burgenland as a "sign that the Social Democratic Party remains an indispensable part of the political landscape". The acting state party chairman Philip Wohlgemuth spoke of a "concrete, sensible politics that improves people's lives". The electoral success of Governor Hans Peter Doskozil is a "confirmation of his work and his pioneering achievements that have significantly shaped Burgenland".

The Carinthian governor and SPÖ chairman Peter Kaiser congratulated Doskozil and the SPÖ Burgenland on an "outstanding success": "Especially in challenging times like these, we need strong and successful SPÖ state organizations that together show that social democratic politics is there for the people and offers solutions to the most pressing problems." Kaiser also appealed to the unity of the SPÖ: This is important "to be again in Austria the force that makes the difference. The success in Burgenland is an incentive for us all."

The Vienna SPÖ, which already has to fight a state election at the end of April, was briefly and succinctly pleased via X-Posting. "Warm congratulations to the SPÖ-Burgenland & LH Hans Peter Doskozil for first place and the very good result," it said there.

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 at first, he was only available for photos and video recordings. A first statement was announced after the round of top candidates at around 6 p.m.

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 backslapping - 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. The National Council member Yannick Shetty was nevertheless 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 leader Norbert Hofer.

Shortly after being asked by Puls 24 whether the outcome of this election was related to the federal party's decision to withdraw from coalition negotiations, Shetty denied a connection. "Voters know that there are different elections at different levels," he said.

Secretary General Douglas Hoyos also looked ahead. "Even if the plus is not enough to enter 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 council election 27," Hoyos said on the X news service.

Praise for Committed Election Campaign

"In the duel for power between (Hans Peter) Doskozil and (Norbert) Hofer, unfortunately, it was too often about who becomes governor and not about who keeps an eye on the powerful. This was particularly felt by the parties that were not fighting for posts, but for content," responded Indra Collini, Lower Austrian NEOS state chairwoman. Christoph Schneider had run a very committed election campaign and won votes. This is what needs to be built on.

Niko Swatek, club chairman of the Styrian NEOS, said: "We experienced a very short election campaign in Burgenland with a strong focus on a duel between Doskozil and Hofer. This was not easy for us because we had to work hard for attention outside the state parliament." NEOS will continue to draw attention in Burgenland, also outside the state parliament, as a controlling force, "when the other parties in this red network only think of themselves and not of the people in the country".

NEOS-Schneider: "We Have Ruffled Feathers"

NEOS top candidate Christoph Schneider tries to radiate optimism despite the clearly 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 ruffled feathers. 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 forecast, the NEOS are at 1.9 percent. This is 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 forecast at 5:33 p.m., the NEOS are at 2.0 percent. This is 0.3 percentage points more than in the last Burgenland election.

Result for Sagartz "Disappointing"

For the Burgenland ÖVP top candidate Christian Sagartz, the result of the first forecast 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, among other things, to a political climate that was unfavorable 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.

At the state party executive committee meeting tomorrow, Monday, the results and the election campaign will be analysed, said Sagartz during an ORF top candidate round. When asked whether he would remain party chairman, he said it would be unfair to anticipate anything now. There will be an open and honest discussion, and he will answer questions on Monday.

Federal ÖVP Disappointed Over "Painful Losses"

The Federal ÖVP is disappointed with the results 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 find 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 committed election campaign."

The ÖVP sees reasons for the poor performance in the "challenging situation at the federal level" and in a media focus on the duel between Governor Doskozil and the FPÖ top candidate Norbert Hofer. "This escalation has cost important votes", even though Hofer "fell short of high expectations", Pröll emphasised.

Federal Greens' Re-entry "Huge Success"

The Federal Greens are pleased about the re-entry of the Burgenland state party into the state parliament. Federal party leader Werner Kogler spoke of a "good news for transparency and climate and nature protection in Burgenland". For Secretary General Olga Voglauer, the performance of the Greens in the state election in Burgenland feels "like a huge success" despite moderate losses of votes.

The ball is now in the court of Governor Hans Peter Doskozil, Kogler explained on the X news service: "He can decide whether to go back to the past with concrete or to a progressive and good future with the Greens." If the result of the projection holds, the Greens with their two mandates will now "be the deciding factor", Voglauer said on Sunday in the Eisenstadt Landhaus. She also emphasised that the ball regarding government cooperation is now in Doskozil's court. The Greens are ready to take responsibility and make progressive politics in Burgenland. "With the Greens, a different vision would be possible in Burgenland than that of the concreters", said Voglauer.

Greens Want to Co-govern

Green state spokeswoman and top candidate Anja Haider Wallner reacted relieved after the first projection of the outcome of the Burgenland state election. The Greens remain in the state parliament - and want to co-govern: "The ball is now in the court of Governor Hans Peter Doskozil. 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 liveable", 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 completely." She is therefore pleased that a comeback and a "solid/good result" has been 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 Landhaus after the first projection. "A stone has fallen from my heart," said state managing director Marita Demattio. The current events at the federal level around blue-black would certainly have provided a tailwind, Demattio noted. In the country, a government mandate for the Greens is now seen.

Vienna's Greens Pleased About "Change of Trend"

The Vienna Greens, who also have an upcoming election, congratulated. "The Greens are returning to the state parliament and have initiated a turnaround with a catch-up race against the polls. This means that climate protection and soil protection, transparency and the preservation of local centres are again strongly represented in the Burgenland state parliament," said party leader Judith Pühringer in a statement sent to the APA.

"You can count on us Greens," commented Tyrol's Green parliamentary group leader 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 Burgenland Greens have "shown what is possible with commitment and a clear message," said 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 emphasised.

Government Participation "Beautiful Vision"

The Styrian Green leader Sandra Krautwaschl was also pleased about the Greens' continued presence in the Burgenland state parliament: "Given the difficult situation we are in, it is pleasing that we were apparently able to hold both mandates. A big thank you goes to the people in Burgenland who have given us Greens their trust. They are slowly realising that it will be very important for the future if the Greens have something to say in the state parliaments."

One reason for holding the mandates may have been that the issue of preserving our livelihoods and fair social balance no longer appears in the 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 was a "beautiful vision" of a government in which the Greens also stand up for the things for which they were elected, Krautwaschl said.

Molnar: "I'm Doing Well"

List Common Sense top candidate Geza Molnar "clearly missed" entering the state parliament, he admitted to the APA on Sunday afternoon: "The conditions and circumstances were difficult. I thank each individual 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)

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