Vorarlberg has voted

ÖVP must tremble for first place ++ Is the FPÖ effect working?

Governor Markus Wallner (ÖVP) defended first place more clearly than many had expected in the run-up to the election - but the FPÖ still won.(Bild: APA/Barbara Gindl)

The state elections in Vorarlberg are over - and the blue storm could not blow away the ÖVP. Despite losses, the People's Party maintained first place in the state, and more clearly than expected. Nevertheless, the FPÖ made very strong gains, while the Greens, SPÖ and NEOS were the losers. With krone.at you were there live throughout the day: you can read the ticker with the most exciting events and insights below.

The most important facts summarized:

• The provisional final results for the Vorarlberg election show that the FPÖ made big gains, while the ÖVP remains in clear first place with 38.38 percent of the vote despite losses.

• The Freedom Party overtook the Greens again and pushed them into third place. The race for fourth place remains open - only the electoral maps will decide that.
• For the losing parties, however, it is clear that the lack of a duel for the governor has cost them votes.
• A coalition would be possible with both the FPÖ and the Greens. However, the signs are clearly pointing to a black-blue coalition.
• Is the election result a west wind or just a gentle breeze? A commentary by editor-in-chief Klaus Herrmann.

The initial situation: the results of the last state elections in the Ländle

All results of the National Council elections on September 29

How Vorarlberg votes
Entry into the state parliament can either be achieved via a basic mandate in one of the four districts - Bregenz, Dornbirn, Feldkirch, Bludenz - or by exceeding the five percent hurdle. Depending on voter turnout, between 8150 and 8800 votes are likely to be needed to get above five percent.

Since the abolition of compulsory voting, voter turnout in the last three elections has been between 61.41% (2019) and 68.44% (2009). There are 36 seats up for grabs.

The provincial government consists of seven people (currently five from the ÖVP, two from the Greens), including the provincial governor and deputy governor. Unlike in other federal states, there is only one deputy head of government in Vorarlberg.