KPÖ wins Graz council as SPÖ disbands local board after historic defeat

The Communist Party of Austria (KPÖ) secured a landmark victory in Graz's municipal election, with candidate Elke Kahr receiving 6,409 preference votes – more than all other party leaders combined. KPÖ and the Greens together hold 25 of the 48 council seats, giving them a governing majority and prompting coalition negotiations that will involve party officials and city administration to shape the new city‑development plan and other executive posts. The mayoral election by the council is set for 27 August.

The same vote saw the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) slump to a historic 5.6% share, its worst result in the city. In response, the Graz SPÖ dissolved its city board, announcing a restart and a shift toward a more grassroots approach.