Graz KPÖ-Green coalition announces austerity measures and government structure

The KPÖ and Green Party coalition in Graz has finalized its government structure and budget strategy. Mayor Elke Kahr confirmed that the coalition will maintain its current direction but must implement significant austerity measures. Due to a debt load of two billion euros, the administration aims to save 115 million euros in the operating budget by 2031. Additionally, planned investments will be halved, dropping from 300 million to 150 million euros.

In terms of departmental distribution, the economic and tourism portfolios will shift from the ÖVP to the FPÖ, with René Apfelknab slated to take over the role. The KPÖ and Green coalition holds a narrow majority of 25 out of 48 seats in the city council. Attempts to form a broader coalition with the ÖVP failed after two rounds of negotiations, as the ÖVP declined to work with the KPÖ and Greens.

The upcoming constituent meeting of the city council on August 27 is expected to officially elect the city government and re-elect Elke Kahr as mayor.