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, does not work out according to the projection. The only possibility 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 federal presidential election 2028 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 out 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 "Historic Result" for FPÖ

After the projection of the state election in Burgenland, National Council President Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ) celebrated with the state party over their "historically best result". He was "very pleased" 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 government participation does not materialise, the FPÖ will be a "strong, profiled and professional opposition". Rosenkranz could well imagine Hofer in both roles and smiled: "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 emphasised.

Kunasek: "Political Reversal of Trend Confirmed"

Styrian Governor Mario Kunasek (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 recognised 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".

Upper Austria's state party leader and deputy governor Manfred Haimbuchner 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 Delighted Over 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 was "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."

Christof Bischi, the state party chairman of the FPÖ in Vorarlberg, saw the Burgenland election results as a confirmation of the "successful run" of the Freedom Party. Referring to the gains of the FPÖ, Bitschi stated that "the voters in Burgenland also want a change". It remains to be seen whether Governor Hans Peter Doskozil is ready to "end the SPÖ's policy of exclusion 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 Marlene Svazek, the FPÖ leader in Salzburg. 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.

Markus Abwerzger, the state party chairman of the FPÖ in Tyrol, was pleased about "the best result in the history of Burgenland for the FPÖ" and now saw Governor Hans Peter Doskozil challenged. Although Abwerzger did not want to presume to interfere in Burgenland's state politics, he pointed out that "Freedom Party politics always stand for handshake quality, honesty and reliability".

Congratulations to the FPÖ also came from the Carinthian state party. Party leader Erwin Angerer described the result as "historic": "For the first time in history, the FPÖ was able to achieve second place and also break the absolute majority of the SPÖ." More than 13 percentage points gain clearly show "that the citizens in Burgenland also want political change".

Puchwein Sees "Burgenland Way Confirmed"

Jasmin Puchwein, the SPÖ's state managing director, 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 that the final result is still to be awaited. She also left open with whom the first conversation about a possible coalition could be conducted.

"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 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 about the fact that the 18th mandate could not be held.

Babler Is 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," 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, and the entire SPÖ Burgenland "on the 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 with which it has 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".

Doskozil's Statement to Come Later

The leading red candidate Doskozil followed the projections 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 only after the round of top candidates, 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 projections and 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. 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've never been this 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 FPÖ list leader Norbert Hofer.

Shortly afterwards, when asked by Puls 24 whether the performance in this election was related to the federal party's decision 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 if the plus is not enough for entry into the state parliament, we take on the task as a 'control force' in the fight against the red network with energy and immediately start working on the municipal election 27," Hoyos said on the short message service X.

Praise for Committed Election Campaign

"In the duel for power between (Hans Peter) Doskozil and (Norbert) Hofer, unfortunately, it was too often about the question of 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 ran 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, even outside the state parliament, as a control 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 spread optimism despite the clear miss of entering 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 projection, 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 the head of the pink state party and would 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. 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 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 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 absolute majority of the SPÖ is 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. Party chairman Christian Stocker said during a visit to the Eisenstadt ÖVP house that they could not be satisfied with the result. Secretary General Alexander Pröll spoke of "painful losses" after the projections were published. The ÖVP is currently having a hard time, said Stocker, who at the same time advocated looking ahead.

Even if today and tomorrow would be difficult, there is "also a day after tomorrow in politics", Stocker attempted to cheer up and praised a "courageous" election campaign. Pröll emphasized earlier that SPÖ Governor Hans Peter Doskozil would have to look for a partner in the future: "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 sees reasons for the poor performance in the "challenging situation at the federal level" as well as 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 the high expectations", emphasized Pröll.

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 Burgenland state election 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 short message service X: "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", said Voglauer on Sunday in the Eisenstadt state house. She also emphasized 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 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 completely." She is therefore pleased that a catch-up and a "solid/good result" was achieved and the mandates could be held.

Relief about the re-entry into the Burgenland state parliament was also felt after the first projection in the bursting club room of the Greens in the Eisenstadt state house. "A stone fell 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, one now sees a government mandate for the Greens.

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 catch-up against the polls. This means that climate protection and soil protection, transparency and the preservation of the 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 declared dead, 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 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 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"

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 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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