Since the resignation of Mayor Hannes Koza (ÖVP), ÖVP Deputy Mayor Birgit Petross has been temporarily managing the municipal affairs in Vösendorf. She had invited cooperation across party lines on Monday and announced talks. The SPÖ, as the second strongest faction, was also offered the deputy mayor position.

SPÖ Warns of Continuation of "Koza System" in Vösendorf - ÖVP Warns of Standstill

The SPÖ sees "a definite danger" in a statement that Koza's "'system' could continue to exist through his deputies." A "clean restart" and a new election are necessary. The Greens also see it this way in a statement, aiming for "a realignment of political forces in Vösendorf." Markus Kerschbaum, ÖVP deputy in Vösendorf and deputy chairman of the local party, stated that the SPÖ's demand is about party politics. "Instead of working together on solutions for our community, they want to bring Vösendorf to a standstill for months. A new election would render the municipal council incapable of action until autumn 2025 and prevent important decisions."

Resignations and Mandate Waivers Could Enable New Election in Vösendorf

In Vösendorf, the ÖVP holds 17 out of 33 mandates following the early municipal elections in May of the previous year. The SPÖ has ten deputies, the "Bürgerliste V2000" three, and the FPÖ two. The Greens currently have one seat in the municipal council. According to the NÖ municipal election regulations, a new election must be called by the state government if at least two-thirds of the municipal council mandates are not filled. In the case of Vösendorf, twelve deputies and their substitutes would have to waive their respective seats to trigger a new election.

Investigations Against Former Mayor Koza

The public prosecutor's office in Wiener Neustadt is investigating Koza on suspicion of feigning a criminal act, according to his lawyer, he has confessed. The alleged attack is said to have occurred late at night in December 2024 on the way home from the municipal office in the Vösendorf castle park, as the then-mayor stated. During the investigation, Koza became a suspect. Last Thursday, he announced his resignation. He stated that he had "crossed boundaries" and hurt people, and now he wants to "seek professional help," Koza shared.

(APA/Red)

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