The Vorarlberg state election of 2024 was held in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg on 13 October 2024.
Background
In the 2019 state election, the ÖVP was the strongest party with 43.5% of the vote, but fell short of the absolute mandate majority. With 18.9%, the Greens achieved their best election result to date in a Vorarlberg state election and became the second strongest party for the first time. The FPÖ was the only party to suffer losses and fell to third place with 13.9%. The SPÖ was able to recover minimally, reaching 9.5%, while NEOS obtained 8.5% of the vote. The small parties "Home to all Cultures" (HAK) and "Xi – Future Opportunity" were able to obtain results above 1%, but ultimately failed to reach the 5% threshold to enter parliament.
The ÖVP decided to continue the previous coalition with the Greens after negotiations that lasted less than two weeks. In the constituent session of the Landtag on 13 October 2019, the state government under Governor Markus Wallner (ÖVP) was sworn in.
Contesting parties
Parties already in the Landtag
Parties not in the Landtag
For a party to contest in the election, they have to enter at least on list in one of the four districts of Vorarlberg. To be able to do so, they need 100 validated signatures per district. The deadline for entering was 23 August 2024 at 5pm CEST.
The following parties have fulfilled the requirements and will appear on the ballot:
Non-contesting parties
A participation of the following parties have been speculated, yet they declined and did not enter the election:
- BIER Partei (Beer Party)
- MFG Austria – People Freedom Fundamental Rights
- Der Wandel (The Change)
Opinion polling
Result
Results by constituency
Aftermath
Government formation
On 16 October, Governor Wallner (ÖVP) announced exploration talks with the FPÖ. He wanted quick coalition talks – with a conclusion in early November – so that the new ÖVP-FPÖ government could be sworn in when the new Landtag convened on 6 November.
The ÖVP and FPÖ formed a governing coalition, which was sworn in on 6 November. Wallner was sworn in as governor on 11 November.
Notes
References
