There has been a lot of growth, but the dream of becoming governor of Burgenland has fallen apart: for FPÖ top candidate Norbert Hofer it was cold and hot on Sunday. What is the next political step for the former Hofburg candidate? The 53-year-old made a clear announcement on election night. And not without a swipe at the federal capital Vienna.
Hofer confirmed that he wanted to stay in Burgenland – even without a possible government office. The 2028 federal presidential elections are therefore no problem for him. “My place is here in Burgenland,” says Hofer.
In what role – for example as club chairman or member of the state parliament – is still unclear. However, Hofer spoke out in favor of Alexander Petschnig remaining as leader of the blue state.
Hofer wants to resign from the National Council “as soon as possible”.
Former Blue Federal Party Chairman Hofer also ruled out a higher position in a possible Blue-Black coalition at the federal level. “I was Minister of Transport, all I can say is that it can be very tiring in Vienna. Here in Burgenland things are much friendlier and friendlier – and I look forward to this task.” He therefore wants to resign from his current mandate from the National Council “as quickly as possible”.
Hofer: Not Kickl’s ‘very best’ friend
As is known, Hofer is not the best friend of current Blue frontman Herbert Kickl. As a reminder, following internal disputes between the two over who should be the FPÖ’s next top candidate, Hofer resigned as party leader in early June 2021 and Kickl succeeded him as party leader on June 19. Since then, the FPÖ has been rushing from victory to victory.
Unlike his predecessor Hofer, who always tried to distance himself from extreme right-wing movements such as the Identitarians, Kickl showed no fear of contact. At the beginning of October 2024, it was finally announced that Hofer would go to the Burgenland state elections as a blue top candidate. Since then, Kickl has gotten rid of one of his biggest internal rivals. In early November, Hofer also admitted that he was not Kickl’s “very best” friend.
FPÖ Burgenland: opposition or government?
Back to Burgenland: Whether the Freedom Party will join the state government or the opposition will become clear in the coming days. “We can do both,” Hofer said on election night. “We see it very positively, but also very relaxed.”
With an increase of 13.3 percentage points, the FPÖ was able to more than double compared to the 2020 elections. At that time, 9.8 percent was achieved under the influence of the Ibiza affair. They have won a lot – “as the only party,” Hofer noted. The only downside: “Of course I would have preferred that a coalition would not have been possible without us,” said the former chairman of the Third National Council.
The committees will meet on Thursday
According to Hofer, the party committees will not meet until Thursday. “But I will certainly call SPÖ Governor Hans Peter Doskozil in advance. We’ll make an appointment – he’ll probably invite you. Then we’ll see what comes out of it.” In any case, the formation of a government will be “very exciting”.
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.