Million-euro project

Renovation of the state parliament chamber: tension mounts

The meeting room in the Landhaus is to be redesigned.

(Bild: NLK/Buchhart)

The redesign of the assembly hall in the St. Pölten government district has caused heated debates both inside and outside the state parliament. According to insiders, a "broad solution" for the redesign could be found in the coming week.

Some spoke of necessary construction work for accessibility and technical upgrades, while opponents saw a "luxury palace" emerging. The Social Democrats led by Sven Hergovich were particularly vocal in their opposition, followed by the Neos. Nerves were also frayed among some senior state officials.

"Broad solution" soon to be found?
Now the dust seems to have settled on the Traisen: Insiders report that a "broad solution" for the conversion could be found as early as next week. The final plans are currently in the hands of the party clubs for approval, and further talks will begin on Monday. All parliamentary groups can and should get involved.

Only one wish of Parliament President Karl Wilfing is certain: if the modernization of the hall is approved, the work should be completed before the constituent session after the 2028 parliamentary elections at the latest. According to current plans, the state parliament will move out of the current chamber before then and meet in alternative premises in the state capital.