The state elections were a debacle for the Styrian People’s Party. Projections show blacks losing more than nine percentage points under Governor Christopher Drexler. Less than 27 percent means the worst result of the ÖVP in Styria of all time.
When the first projection flickered across the screens shortly after 4 p.m., a deathly silence reigned in the crowded ÖVP party headquarters on Karmeliterplatz in Graz. The state governor’s party got 26.6 percent, and there has never been a worse result in a state election. When more than 35 percent turned out for the Freedom Party, a murmur went through the black ranks.
Many officials had tears in their eyes. Shock was written on everyone’s faces. “These are very painful losses. “We have not managed to break the blue wave,” said State Councilor Werner Amon. He called the headwind for the People’s Party “dramatic”. “The Federal President’s violation of the practice of not appointing the party with the highest number of votes to form a government has also caused us enormous damage.”
The party’s ranks are still closed. Amon does not wish to comment further on a possible chairman’s debate. “Respect for the voters dictates that we first wait for the final outcome.”
Drexler feels like a ‘pawn victim of the republic’
Moments later, state Governor Christopher Drexler also appeared before officials. “We imagined the evening differently,” he said with his two daughters and wife Iris, who had tears in her eyes. According to Drexler, the blame for the bitter election failure lies in Vienna. “Federal politics dominated this election – it was more decisive than ever before. So many thanks to Vienna! I feel a bit like a pawn of the republic.”
Dismissal is no problem for him: “I look forward to discussions with the other parties to help Styria move forward. The sun will shine on us again.” However, tomorrow the vote of confidence will be requested in the party committees.
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.
