Poll puts FPÖ and Kunasek firmly ahead in Styria

The Freedom Party of Austria, or FPÖ, remains clearly the strongest political force in Styria, according to a poll reported by ORF on Friday. The survey also puts FPÖ Governor Mario Kunasek well ahead in a hypothetical direct election.

The IFDD polling institute surveyed 800 eligible voters in Styria on behalf of the Kronen Zeitung. The FPÖ would currently receive 43 percent of the vote, or as much as 47 percent when the margin of error of 3.5 percentage points is taken into account.

The Austrian People’s Party, or ÖVP, and the Social Democratic Party, or SPÖ, are tied at 19 percent. Both parties have lost significant support compared with the 2024 Styrian state election.

Only 40 percent of respondents believe Styria is heading in the right direction, while 47 percent disagree. The poll suggests that this is not hurting the FPÖ, with the losses falling mainly on its coalition partner, the ÖVP.

Kunasek leads hypothetical governor vote

In a hypothetical direct election for governor of Styria, Kunasek leads with 47 percent. SPÖ leader Max Lercher is in second place with 20 percent, clearly ahead of Deputy Governor and ÖVP leader Manuela Khom, who receives 16 percent.

That result contrasts with the parties’ ratings, in which the SPÖ and ÖVP are tied.

Kunasek also leads when voters are asked who should play an important role in Styria in the future, with 49 percent. Khom follows on 37 percent, narrowly ahead of Lercher on 35 percent. Khom’s lead over Lercher has narrowed since the previous survey last year.

ÖVP voters divided over Khom

Voters are divided over whether Khom is the right person to lead the ÖVP. Forty-two percent say yes, while 40 percent say no. According to the poll, more than a quarter of ÖVP voters themselves are inclined to reject her leadership.

The survey also asked about national politics. Forty-nine percent of respondents said they wanted Kunasek to lead the FPÖ across Austria at the next parliamentary election.