Burgenland Social Democrats aim to win more mayoralties

Burgenland’s Social Democratic Party, the SPÖ, aims to retain its record 96 mayors and increase that number in the 2027 local elections, ORF reported. The party currently holds mayoral offices in 96 of the state’s 171 municipalities.

Party leader Hans Peter Doskozil said the figures showed how well the SPÖ was established in local communities. The party was entering the elections with confidence, he said on Monday as it introduced 10 newcomers who plan to stand in their first regular mayoral election in 2027.

Among them is Stefan Krammer, 22, who is now Austria’s youngest mayor in Heugraben. The party plans to introduce further candidates over the coming year.

Doskozil said the SPÖ had solid local structures, contrasting them with municipalities in other Austrian states where only one list runs or no candidates can be found. The party hopes to increase its record number of mayors.

State party secretary Friedrich Radlspäck said local party organisations knew best what their communities needed. He said the party and its seven district organisations were staying in contact with them and offering help with election preparations. Support for elected representatives has also been expanded through handbooks, work materials and training. State party secretary Kevin Friedl said first-time candidates should know whom to contact for help.

The SPÖ currently has 96 mayors, including 11 women. The party said it had seven women mayors in 2017. It also has 115 deputy mayors, including 26 women, and 1,623 municipal councillors, including 469 women.