ÖVP retakes Pernersdorf mayoralty after surprise vote

The ÖVP has returned to the mayor’s office in Pernersdorf, in Hollabrunn district, after a surprise vote elected party candidate Stephan Greil on Wednesday, ORF reported. The previous mayor, Erwin Kasper of the SPÖ, stepped down for health reasons.

The ÖVP won nine seats in the 2025 municipal election, making it the largest party but leaving it without an absolute majority. The SPÖ and the citizens’ list Ja zur Liste Pernersdorf each won five seats and formed a coalition with a narrow majority, replacing the ÖVP. Kasper became mayor, with citizens’ list candidate Joachim Amon due to take over halfway through the term, in mid-2027.

After Kasper’s early departure, the planned handover was brought forward to Wednesday. Amon said the arrangement had also been agreed in writing. But Greil, who has been on the municipal council for about six months, unexpectedly won the mayoral vote after a member of the coalition voted for him, the local newspaper NÖN reported.

Amon told ORF he was certain no member of his citizens’ list had voted against him, saying he knew his team. He said the agreement with the SPÖ was now void, but he would remain deputy mayor.

The ÖVP welcomed its return to the mayor’s office after an interruption of almost two years. Greil said he wanted to work across party lines, continue ongoing projects and seek input from residents.