Political Earthquake in Lower Austria: SPÖ Loses Historic Absolute Majority in St. Pölten After 61 Years
In a historic political shift that has reverberated across the Republic, preliminary results from the Sunday, January 25, 2026, municipal election show that the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) has lost its long-held absolute majority in St. Pölten. While the party and incumbent Mayor Matthias Stadler remain the strongest political force in the city, the rise of the Freedom Party (FPÖ) and a fragmented opposition mean that a coalition government is now a mathematical necessity for the first time in over six decades.
The Numbers: A Dramatic Shift in Power
According to the provisional official tally released late Sunday night, the 2026 election produced a stark departure from previous voting patterns. Of the 42 municipal council seats at stake, the SPÖ failed to secure the 22 seats required to govern independently. The preliminary standings are as follows:
- SPÖ: ~42.53% (19 seats), a sharp decline from 56.02% in 2021.
- ÖVP: ~21.38% (9 seats), maintaining a relatively stable position.
- FPÖ: ~19.75% (8 seats), representing a significant surge.
- Greens: ~9.66% (4 seats).
- KPÖ: ~3.82% (1 seat), marking their return to the council.
- NEOS: ~2.72% (1 seat).
The Multicultural Society (LMG) list failed to gain enough traction, polling at approximately 0.13%, and is expected to miss representation in the council entirely.
End of a 61-Year Legacy
The result marks the first time since 1965 that the SPÖ has failed to secure an outright majority in the city, which has long been considered the party’s most secure urban stronghold in Lower Austria. Political analysts suggest that this upset is not an isolated event but a reflection of a wider trend observed in the Vienna year in review 2025, where traditional “Grand Parties” have struggled to maintain dominance against rising populist sentiments.
Addressing supporters after the results were announced, Mayor Matthias Stadler admitted the disappointment of losing the absolute majority but maintained a determined outlook. “The voters still gave us a clear mandate to lead,” Stadler said, confirming his intention to remain as mayor despite the need for a coalition partner. This follows his earlier campaign promises, as detailed in our St. Pölten municipal election preview, which focused on a massive 87-point urban development plan.
Surge of the FPÖ and the Return of the KPÖ
The defining narrative of the night was the performance of the Freedom Party (FPÖ). Lead candidate Martin Antauer led the party to nearly double its seat share compared to the previous vote. Antauer characterized the result as a demand for a “stronger, freedom-oriented voice” in local governance.
Furthermore, the Communist Party of Austria (KPÖ) successfully re-entered the council for the first time in several decades. This fragmented result mirrors the sociological changes occurring in Austrian cities, where a record number of single-person households and changing work-life balances are creating a more diverse and less predictable electorate.
The Road Ahead: Coalition Scenarios
The focus now turns to the “Landhaus” as political leaders prepare for exploratory talks. With the SPÖ holding 19 seats, they are three seats short of a majority. Potential scenarios include a coalition with the Greens (4 seats) or NEOS (1 seat), though a three-party “traffic light” style agreement or a deal with the ÖVP are also on the table.
According to data reported by the Austrian Press Agency (APA), voter turnout stood at approximately 59.1%, a slight increase from the 2021 turnout. This higher engagement underscores the high stakes felt by the local population in an election that has effectively ended a half-century of single-party rule.
In the coming weeks, the negotiations in St. Pölten will be watched closely by federal leaders in Vienna, as the loss of this absolute majority may signal the beginning of a more fragmented era for municipal politics across the country.
