Concern among local leaders

Will Kunasek soon be the master of municipal millions?

Mario Kunasek is considered the favorite for the state elections on November 24.

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian/Christian Jauschowetz)

Almost no major investment in Styrian municipalities is possible without financial help from the state. The needs-based allocations in the millions are therefore a major lever of power. Will this soon be in the hands of FPÖ leader Mario Kunasek?

Many a Styrian mayor becomes uneasy when they look at the polls for the state elections on November 24. Despite the financial and expenses scandal in Graz, the FPÖ is poised to become number 1. As provincial governor, Mario Kunasek would be responsible for at least part of the needs-based allocations.

These are the funds with which the provincial government can help the Styrian municipalities quite generously, for example for new schools and kindergartens and other infrastructure projects. 207 million euros have been budgeted for 2024 alone!

"Toni always has an open ear for us"
Governor Christopher Drexler is currently responsible for the municipalities run by the ÖVP and the Citizens' List (more than 200 in total), while his red deputy Anton Lang is responsible for the more than 70 municipalities run by the SPÖ. However, the specific responsibilities are not set in stone, but are always part of the government negotiations.

Concerns are particularly high in the red town halls. "Toni always has an open ear for us, we can always come to him with our concerns," said one mayor to the "Krone" newspaper. Will we have to ask a member of the Freedom Party for money in future? "We don't want to imagine that."

In government, we Freedom Party members will support the municipalities regardless of their political orientation.

Mario Kunasek

"No mayor needs to be afraid"
In a reaction to the "Krone" newspaper, Kunasek tries to calm things down: "No mayor in Styria needs to be afraid of a blue governor. We Liberals will support the municipalities in government, regardless of their political orientation. Most recently, we have also strongly advocated the establishment of an Austrian convention to discuss the sustainable relief of the municipalities. In addition, the depoliticization and objectification of money distribution mechanisms is a particular concern of ours."