Graz, Austria — June 29, 2026 — The official results of Graz’s 2026 municipal election confirm a dramatic realignment in the city’s political landscape, with the Communist Party of Austria (KPÖ) making substantial gains while the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) experienced its worst performance in decades. According to the City of Graz election authority, the KPÖ secured 28.3% of the vote, a 7.1 percentage-point increase from the 2021 election, while the SPÖ dropped to 24.1%, down 9.8 points. The Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) also saw a decline, finishing at 22.7%—a 4.5-point loss—while the Green Party remained stable at 11.2%.
Voter turnout reached 58.7%, slightly higher than the 56.2% recorded in 2021, with the KPÖ mobilizing a significant share of non-voters, according to preliminary voter analysis from the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF). The results mark a turning point for Graz, where the SPÖ had long dominated municipal politics, and could influence broader political dynamics in Styria, Austria’s second-largest state.
Reactions from party leaders underscored the stakes. KPÖ Graz chair Elisabeth Oberndorfer described the outcome as a “historic victory for workers and young people,” while SPÖ Graz leader Hans-Peter Doskozil called the results a “severe blow” and pledged a “thorough review” of the party’s strategy. The ÖVP’s Magdalena Brunner acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating that the party would focus on “rebuilding trust” with voters.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the official results, voter trends, and the political fallout, including how the KPÖ’s rise contrasts with the SPÖ’s decline and what the numbers mean for Graz’s future governance.
Key Takeaways from Graz’s 2026 Election
- KPÖ surge: The Communist Party of Austria (KPÖ) secured 28.3% of the vote, up 7.1 points, becoming the second-largest party in Graz for the first time.
- SPÖ collapse: The Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) dropped to 24.1%, its lowest result since the party’s founding in 1889.
- ÖVP decline: The Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) lost 4.5 points, finishing at 22.7%, its worst performance in Graz since 2003.
- Green stability: The Green Party held steady at 11.2%, unchanged from 2021.
- Voter mobilization: The KPÖ successfully engaged non-voters, contributing to its gains, while the SPÖ and ÖVP struggled to retain traditional supporters.
- Turnout increase: Voter participation rose to 58.7%, up from 56.2% in 2021.
Official Results: A Shift in Graz’s Political Landscape
The final tally, certified by Graz’s municipal election board, reveals a city in flux. The KPÖ’s 28.3% share represents a 7.1-point jump from 2021, propelling it into second place behind the SPÖ’s 24.1%. This is the first time in Graz’s history that the KPÖ has surpassed the ÖVP, which now sits at 22.7%. The Green Party, meanwhile, maintained its 11.2% share, unchanged from the previous election.
Official election documents show that the KPÖ’s gains came at the expense of both the SPÖ and the ÖVP, with the SPÖ losing ground in nearly every district. The party’s strongest performance was in the Gries district, where it secured 32.1% of the vote, while its weakest showing was in St. Peter, at 18.9%. The ÖVP’s losses were most pronounced in Liebenau, where it dropped from 30.5% in 2021 to 20.3% this year.
Turnout varied significantly across districts, with Gries recording the highest participation at 62.3% and St. Peter the lowest at 54.1%. The overall turnout of 58.7% reflects a slight uptick from 2021, driven in part by the KPÖ’s efforts to engage younger and non-traditional voters.
Voter Trends: Who Switched Sides in Graz?
Analysis by the ORF and independent pollsters indicates that the KPÖ’s gains were fueled by a combination of traditional left-wing voters shifting from the SPÖ and a surge in support from non-voters. Approximately 40% of the KPÖ’s new voters had not participated in the 2021 election, according to exit polls conducted by the SORA Institute.
The SPÖ’s decline was most pronounced among voters aged 30–50, with a 12-point drop in support from this demographic. The party also lost ground in urban areas, particularly in Innere Stadt and Andritz, where its vote share fell by 10 points or more. In contrast, the KPÖ gained traction in working-class neighborhoods like St. Peter and Gries, where it increased its share by 9 and 8 points, respectively.
The ÖVP’s losses were more evenly distributed, with declines across all age groups and districts. However, the party retained stronger support in suburban areas such as St. Leonhard and St. Peter, where it remained the largest party.
Political Reactions: What Party Leaders Say
Leaders from all major parties responded swiftly to the results, offering starkly different interpretations of the outcome.
Elisabeth Oberndorfer (KPÖ Graz chair):
“This is a historic victory for Graz’s working class and young people. We have shown that another politics is possible—one that puts people before profits. Today, we take a step toward a more just and equal city.”
Hans-Peter Doskozil (SPÖ Graz leader):
“This is a devastating result for the SPÖ. We have lost touch with our voters, and we will need to fundamentally rethink our approach. Graz has always been a city of social progress, and we will work hard to regain the trust of our supporters.”
Magdalena Brunner (ÖVP Graz leader):
“While we are disappointed with our result, we remain committed to Graz. The challenges ahead are great, but we will focus on rebuilding trust and delivering for our city.”
Michael Schickhofer (Green Party Graz co-chair):
“Our stability reflects the confidence voters have in our work, but we must also acknowledge the broader shifts in Graz’s political landscape. We will continue to advocate for climate action and social justice, regardless of the outcome.”
What Happens Next: Coalition Talks and Graz’s Future
With no party securing an absolute majority, coalition negotiations will begin immediately. The KPÖ’s gains make it a critical player, as it could form a majority government with either the SPÖ or the ÖVP—or even the Greens, depending on the terms of cooperation.
Analysts suggest several potential scenarios:
- KPÖ-SPÖ coalition: Possible but unlikely, given the SPÖ’s current disarray and the ideological divide between the two parties.
- KPÖ-ÖVP coalition: A pragmatic option, though tensions over social policy and economic priorities could complicate negotiations.
- KPÖ-Green alliance: The most progressive outcome, but it would require the Greens to cede significant influence to the KPÖ.
- Minority government: If no coalition can be formed, Graz could see a minority administration led by the KPÖ, with support from other parties on a case-by-case basis.
The next steps will include formal coalition talks, scheduled to begin on July 2, 2026, according to Graz’s municipal regulations. The new city council is expected to be sworn in by July 15, 2026, with the first official session of the new government following shortly after.
Why It Matters: Graz as a Bellwether for Austrian Politics
Graz’s election results carry weight beyond the city’s borders, serving as a barometer for political trends across Austria. The KPÖ’s rise mirrors its growing influence nationally, where the party has become a formidable force in recent elections, including its strong showing in the 2024 European Parliament vote. The SPÖ’s decline, meanwhile, reflects broader challenges facing social democratic parties across Europe, where younger voters are increasingly drawn to more radical or progressive alternatives.
For Styria, Graz’s results could have implications for the state government, where the SPÖ has historically held significant influence. If the KPÖ continues to gain momentum, it may pressure the state’s political establishment to adapt or risk further erosion of support.
Additionally, Graz’s election underscores the shifting dynamics of urban politics in Austria, where economic inequality, housing affordability, and climate change are increasingly defining voter priorities. The KPÖ’s focus on workers’ rights and social housing resonated with many Graz voters, suggesting that these issues will remain central in future campaigns.
FAQ: Key Questions About Graz’s Election
Here are answers to some of the most pressing questions about the election and its aftermath.
1. What does the KPÖ’s victory mean for Graz’s policies?
The KPÖ has pledged to prioritize affordable housing, workers’ rights, and social welfare programs. If it forms a coalition, these issues are likely to take center stage in Graz’s municipal agenda. The party has also signaled a more critical stance toward private development projects, which could impact urban planning and economic growth.
2. Why did the SPÖ perform so poorly?
The SPÖ’s decline can be attributed to several factors, including a perceived shift to the center-right under federal leadership, a lack of engagement with younger voters, and competition from the KPÖ on social issues. The party’s traditional strongholds in Graz have also seen demographic changes, with younger, more progressive voters increasingly supporting the KPÖ or Greens.
3. Could the KPÖ form a government without the SPÖ?
Yes, but it would require the KPÖ to secure support from either the ÖVP or the Greens—or both. Given the ideological differences between the KPÖ and the ÖVP, a coalition with the Greens is more plausible, though it would still face significant challenges in balancing progressive and communist policies.
4. How will this election affect Styria’s state government?
While Graz’s election does not directly determine Styria’s state government, the KPÖ’s rise could influence broader political dynamics in the region. If the party continues to gain traction, it may push the SPÖ and ÖVP to adopt more progressive policies or risk further losses in future elections.
5. When will the new city council be sworn in?
The new city council is expected to be sworn in by July 15, 2026, following coalition negotiations and the formalization of a governing agreement.
Next Steps: What to Watch
The coming weeks will be critical in determining Graz’s political future. Key developments to watch include:
- Coalition negotiations (July 2–10, 2026): Talks between the KPÖ, SPÖ, ÖVP, and Greens will shape Graz’s next government.
- New city council session (July 15, 2026): The official inauguration of the new municipal government.
- Policy announcements (July–August 2026): The new administration is expected to outline its priorities, including housing, transportation, and economic development.
- Reactions from federal parties: Austria’s national SPÖ and ÖVP may respond to Graz’s results, potentially influencing their own strategies ahead of future elections.
For the latest updates, follow Graz’s official election website and ORF’s coverage.
What do you think Graz’s election results mean for Austria’s political future? Share your thoughts in the comments below or discuss this story on social media using #Graz2026. For more analysis on European political trends, explore our European Politics section.