ÖVP elects two new women mayors in Upper Austria

The Austrian People’s Party in Upper Austria has two new mayors, ORF reported. Karin Wundsam was elected in Engelhartszell in Schärding district, while Christine Schausberger took office in Ungenach in Vöcklabruck district.

The elections bring the number of ÖVP women mayors in Upper Austria to 40. Both municipalities had been led by their previous mayors for more than two decades.

In Engelhartszell, Wundsam succeeds Roland Pichler, who had served as mayor since 2002. She received nine of the 13 votes in the municipal council.

In Ungenach, Johann Hippmair had headed the municipality since 2003. Schausberger was unanimously elected mayor on Friday.

Upper Austrian ÖVP leader Thomas Stelzer congratulated both women and thanked their predecessors for their many years of service to the municipalities.