St. Pölten election: ÖVP’s bold plan to end SPÖ dominance

ÖVP challenges SPÖ’s 74-year rule in St. Pölten’s heated municipal race

The ÖVP has launched its campaign for the St. Pölten municipal election, led by Florian Krumboeck. With 84 candidates, the party plans to visit every one of the city’s 28,800 households before polling day. Their goal is clear: challenge the long-standing SPÖ leadership under Mayor Matthias Stadler, who has held office since early 2026.

Krumboeck revealed the ÖVP’s election platform, centered around three main priorities. The first is to slow the city’s rapid population growth, which has put pressure on infrastructure and services. The second focuses on steering development more strategically, ensuring expansion aligns with long-term needs.

To achieve this, the ÖVP proposed a binding long-term plan for each district, alongside a new urban development strategy. Krumboeck also suggested giving neighbourhoods their own budgets and involving residents directly in local decisions. If elected, the party pledged to draw on the expertise of all represented groups, including youth and children’s councils, to shape policy. The third priority centers on revitalising St. Pölten’s city centre. The ÖVP wants to halt further cuts to parking spaces and stop the redevelopment of the Promenade. Instead, they aim to push forward with plans for the long-vacant Leiner site, arguing that better use of space will bring new life to the area. The SPÖ has governed St. Pölten since 1950, with Stadler at the helm ahead of the January 25, 2026 vote. The ÖVP’s campaign now sets the stage for a contest over the city’s future direction.

The ÖVP’s campaign will see candidates engage directly with voters across St. Pölten. Their proposals—from district budgets to parking policies—aim to reshape how the city grows and functions. The election outcome will determine whether the SPÖ’s decades-long control continues or if the ÖVP’s vision gains ground.