SPÖ leader Max Lercher expresses openness to FPÖ coalition

Max Lercher, the Styrian state chairman of the SPÖ, has expressed openness to a potential coalition with the FPÖ, led by Landeshauptmann Mario Kunasek. This stance marks a significant shift from the party's previous position of refusing any cooperation with the FPÖ.

Lercher stated that it would be “presumptuous” to exclude a party holding nearly 40 percent of the vote. He emphasized that while the SPÖ is willing to work with the FPÖ to advance its own political content and social democratic goals, such cooperation would not happen “at any price.”

The comments come amid high polling numbers for the FPÖ in Styria, where recent surveys suggest the party could reach 43 percent. Lercher also directed criticism toward the federal SPÖ leadership, suggesting the party needs to redefine itself regarding corruption and political leadership.