Advancing the Vienna Election Played Mainly into the Hands of the SPÖ
Although the premise of Mayor Michael Ludwig, the "blue-turquoise friction point," fell flat, the SPÖ managed to "moderate virulent and yet not small issues" in the run-up to the Vienna election and prevent them from becoming significant, according to political expert Thomas Hofer, who attests to the SPÖ's factual style in the election campaign. For his colleague Peter Filzmaier, the question for the SPÖ was whether it had to fear a loss of power. "The answer is: No."
Exclusion of FPÖ from Talks Logical According to Experts
"Logical" for Hofer is that Ludwig continues to exclude a coalition with the FPÖ. "That is almost folklore in the Vienna SPÖ," says the political consultant, as they have always portrayed themselves as the antithesis to the Freedom Party. If Ludwig were to open the door to the FPÖ, "it would be very dangerous." According to Filzmaier, the FPÖ was unable to fully exploit its voter potential for this very reason, as government participation was not an option.
Blue Result in Vienna Election Expandable
Despite the Freedom Party's jubilation over nearly tripling its share of the vote, Filzmaier says: "It is a good result, but not a very good one and certainly not an outstanding one." According to voter flow analyses, the FPÖ was able to attract former ÖVP voters. However, it hardly succeeded in winning back former voters who stayed home in 2020. Hofer also sees a "gap between urban and rural" for the Blues.
Such a gap also exists for the ÖVP, according to the political consultant. In Vienna, it has hardly positioned itself as a business party but has focused on the FPÖ's core issue, security. "That is certainly not enough in the long run," says Hofer, who sees little impact on federal politics. Filzmaier also identifies a negative spiral for the chancellor party ÖVP in cities, not least due to demographic developments. Additionally, the ÖVP has hardly any structures left in urban areas.
NEOS Result Should Give ÖVP Pause
According to Hofer, the ÖVP must also face the fact that it has been overtaken by the NEOS, "who partly came from the flesh of the ÖVP." "That should actually set off all alarm bells." For Filzmaier as well, the Pinks offer "the model that younger conservatives desire." Nevertheless, the NEOS should not be misled by the good result, as they have practically not lost to the increasing non-voters, which has shifted the relations.
Both political experts see the Greens' joy as quite justified. They have managed to maintain a relatively high starting level, says Hofer. "After all, it is a sign of life." According to Filzmaier, the Greens can also be satisfied, as they are stable in the double-digit range "and with a good probability in the game."
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.