Things are now happening in quick succession in the SPÖ, the red days of fate are reaching their finale: After his resignation as chairman of the Linz SPÖ, Klaus Luger (63) is also resigning today as mayor of the state capital. The “Krone” learned that the decision to do so was taken on Thursday evening.
The pressure on the city boss of Linz has been increasing in recent hours: not only political competitors from the ÖVP, FPÖ and the Greens have openly called for his resignation, but voices within the party calling for him to become mayor have also become louder and louder.
First of all, confidence was expressed
At first, things looked different: After the Linz party board unanimously expressed its confidence in him on Wednesday, Luger initially felt confirmed. He told the “Krone”: “I would like to remain mayor now. I will remain in office through direct elections until 2027. It is a very difficult time for me, but I have no plans to step down now.”
A day later, on Thursday, his withdrawal in stages began: first he resigned from his positions at the SPÖ – notably Luger was chairman of the SPÖ Linz – and today he will take the final step.
At 9:00 am Luger wants to inform his party friends
Klaus Luger is scheduled to explain to his comrades today at 9:00 a.m. on the occasion of the Linz SPÖ retreat in Langenlois, Lower Austria: “I will not continue. According to reports, a press conference is scheduled for the afternoon.” Linz, in which Luger will also address the public, wants to justify his decision and take a stand.
What was the last drop in the ocean?
The ‘Krone’ heard from Klaus Luger’s entourage on Friday morning why he finally decided to resign: on Thursday afternoon, the mayor left the meeting in Langenlois for a few hours because he had appointments in Linz. Before he left, his comrades supported him and agreed that he should keep his position as city boss.
When he returned to Lower Austria hours later, the situation was suddenly very different, party circles say. Luger may have felt that his city party in Linz no longer supported him – which was ultimately the reason for his decision to resign.
What’s next at Linz Town Hall?
One thing is certain: after this final decision, it is necessary to elect a new mayor. That means: the people of Linz are asked to go to the polls in the coming weeks. Luger’s office will initially be taken over by his deputies.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
