Austria's ÖVP and SPÖ plunge to record lows, ex-chancellors eyed for return

A recent poll shows Austria's ruling ÖVP at just 20 % support and the opposition SPÖ at a historic low of 16 %. The results have brought former chancellors Christian Kern and Sebastian Kurz back into the political conversation. Kern warned that Austria’s fiscal ceiling is being reached and suggested that an external shock may be needed to spur reform. Kurz has been linked to plans for a new political platform and to meetings with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl and entrepreneur Stephan Zöchling.

In a separate survey of Tirol residents ahead of the 2027 state election, the ÖVP and the FPÖ each received 29 % backing, tying for first place. Incumbent governor Anton Mattle (ÖVP) emerged as the most popular candidate for Landeshauptmann. The SPÖ gained a point to 12 %, while the Greens remained stable. The poll indicates strong voter openness to a potential ÖVP‑FPÖ coalition in the region.