Statement from the MFG Upper Austria on the Linz mayoral election in 2025

The mayoral runoff election in Linz has been defeated: Dietmar Prammer from the SPÖ became the new mayor with 77.1 percent of the votes cast. His challenger Michael Raml from the FPÖ achieved 22.9 percent. But a voter turnout of just 42.2 percent sheds a different light on this “victory”: just around 32.5 percent of those in Linz who were eligible to vote actually voted for Prammer.

“The new mayor of Linz – elected by a minority, while the majority resignedly stayed at home. A mayor who does not receive support from two-thirds of the population is on shaky ground. In recent years, politics in Linz has become so distant from the people that resignation dominates instead of participation. This should give the SPÖ in particular something to think about. Maybe this time she will dare to jump over her shadow and take seriously those people who have long since turned away from politics.”commented LAbg. Manuel Krautgartner, MFG-OÖ club chairman pointedly.

The once again shockingly low voter turnout shows once again: the population of Linz has lost trust in established politics. It is a clear sign of the growing alienation between citizens and city hall. The SPÖ may present itself as the winner, but without the support of the general population this is nothing but self-deception.

The MFG calls for a fundamental realignment of politics: an end to empty phrases and outlandish power games. “People deserve a policy that doesn’t ignore citizens but takes them seriously. The MFG is ready to actively shape this change. Because we listen where others look away,” concludes Krautgartner.