SPÖ leaders seek clarity in party leadership dispute

Austria’s Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) leaders met in Vienna on Sunday to discuss the party’s leadership, with Styrian chairman Max Lercher calling for “clarification and clarity.” ORF reported that party leader Andreas Babler was meeting the heads of the party’s state branches after a renewed leadership debate.

The debate began after media executive Gerhard Zeiler said publicly 10 days ago that he wanted to lead the SPÖ. A preliminary decision could emerge on Sunday afternoon or evening, though the outcome remained open.

After an earlier meeting of the state branch heads, Lercher said he hoped for “clarification and clarity for the Social Democrats and, in turn, for Austria.” The priority, he said, was to achieve something “not for individuals, but for the country.”

Upper Austrian SPÖ chairman Martin Winkler said he expected “great solutions” that would advance the party. Carinthian governor and SPÖ chairman Daniel Fellner welcomed the chance for leaders to exchange differing views, saying that had not happened for years. He did not rule out a third candidate emerging alongside Babler and Zeiler.

No formal decision can be made at Sunday’s informal meeting. Any agreement would need approval from the federal party executive, which can call a special party congress. If more than one candidate comes forward, party rules would likely require a membership vote on the new leadership beforehand.