First reactions

Dornauer case: FPÖ calls for immediate new elections

Tyrol's FPÖ leader Markus Abwerzger

(Bild: APA/EXPA/JOHANN GRODER)

Not a resignation - but a kick to the side: the Dornauer case is making waves. The decision to resign as SPÖ state leader and deputy governor, but to remain a "normal" member of the Tyrolean state parliament in future, is causing debate and strong reactions - even within the party. The FPÖ even called for "immediate new elections".

Despite the inglorious "hunting affair", Dornauer wants to remain in the state parliament, referring to his direct mandate with considerable voter support. Resistance is apparently already forming within the SPÖ. "The step to the side" allegedly does not go far enough for some in the party.

"A declaration of war within the party"
In the meantime, the FPÖ has also reacted clearly. For Tyrol's blue party leader Markus Abwerzger, "this was an internal party declaration of war, no resignation has taken place and Dornauer shows zero insight", he ranted. He continued: "The Tyrolean SPÖ and the federal SPÖ are a shambles - and not fit to govern."

ÖVP provincial governor Anton Mattle wanted stability, as he announced on Monday, but this stability is no longer guaranteed with the SPÖ.

Tirols FPÖ-Chef Markus Abwerzger

Due to the current developments, Abwerzger is calling for "immediate new elections in Tyrol." "ÖVP Governor Anton Mattle wanted stability, as he announced on Monday, but this stability is no longer guaranteed at all with the SPÖ," said the Freedom Party member. 

Greens: "SPÖ causes government deadlock"
 Tyrol's Green Party leader Gebi Mair also takes Dornauer to task: "Nothing surprises me anymore with Georg Dornauer. His statement today is like his political balance sheet." The SPÖ is also dragging the state government into chaos. A "hanging game" was looming after Dornauer had announced that he would only hand over as deputy governor in December. They wanted to "finally put an end" to this "unworthy spectacle" with a motion of no confidence.

Motion of no confidence against Dornauer
The Tyrolean opposition tabled a motion of no confidence against Dornauer at the state parliament session, which started on Wednesday in the shadow of the case. 

In the afternoon, Dornauer (center) found his way into the assembly hall of the Tyrolean parliament.

(Bild: Neuner Philipp)

The FPÖ, Liste Fritz, Greens and Neos were unanimous in their opinion that Dornauer would not be ready to resign in December, but now. However, a coalition majority prevented the motion from being brought forward. The motion will therefore be placed at the end of the agenda and will not be dealt with until Thursday afternoon.

It is unclear how the red members of parliament - apparently offended by Dornauer's "step to the side" - will react.

ÖGB head to be successor
On Wednesday, Dornauer drew the consequences from the case surrounding a hunting trip with bankrupt René Benko despite the existing weapons ban. In the course of a "personal statement" at the party headquarters in Innsbruck, he declared "not to resign, but to step aside". His successor in the state and party is to be ÖGB leader Philip Wohlgemuth.