Hans Niessl confirms bid for Austrian presidency in 2028

Former Burgenland governor Hans Niessl will run for Austrian president in 2028 as a non-party candidate, ORF reported. The SPÖ politician confirmed his decision on Friday.

Niessl said he had decided to run after receiving positive responses from the public. A support association has been founded to back his campaign and collect donations. Entrepreneur Andreas Binder is among its members, with other board members due to be announced next week.

Niessl described the platform as right-leaning on security, centrist on the economy and left-leaning on social policy. He said he plans to speak in the coming months about issues including conscription, neutrality, the economy and jobs.

He said he was starting early to build a nationwide campaign structure, which he would not have behind him as a non-party candidate. Candidates need 6,000 supporting declarations to enter the race. Niessl said he was confident of collecting them, adding that many mayors had offered to help. He said the SPÖ could support him or nominate its own candidate.