# Tyrolean ÖVP regional membership proposal

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tyrolean-vp-regional-membership-proposal
> Updated: 2026-11-07T03:39:54.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Internal friction emerged within the Tyrolean People's Party (ÖVP) following a proposal by Governor Anton Mattle to introduce an exclusive ‘Tyrol membership’ model. National Council MP Franz Hörl publicly distanced himself from the initiative, stating, “I am staying with the Federal VP,” while emphasizing a need for European orientation over regional models. Josef Hechenberger, President of the Tyrolean Chamber of Agriculture, also noted that the plans were being “critically eyed” in Vienna. The Federal ÖVP described the proposal as an “independent initiative” with no organizational connection to the federal party.

At a party congress in Innsbruck on November 7, the Tiroler ÖVP adopted a new principle program titled “Aus eigener Kraft” (By Our Own Strength). This program aims to emphasize regional values such as property, achievement, family, and security to emancipate the party from federal politics. The congress also approved a new statute allowing for “Tirol membership,” which enables individuals to join the regional party without automatic affiliation with the federal ÖVP. Additionally, delegates approved economic policy chapters focused on entrepreneurship, open markets, and the principle of “as much freedom as possible, as much state as necessary.”

## Claims

- The Tiroler ÖVP adopted its first independent principle program titled “Aus eigener Kraft”. (reported by 3 sources)
- A new statute allows for a “Tirol membership” that does not require automatic membership in the federal ÖVP. (reported by 2 sources)
- The party program emphasizes values including property, achievement, family, and security. (reported by 2 sources)
- Delegates unanimously approved the economic policy chapter titled “In Tirol leben und leisten”. (reported by 1 source)
- The economic principles include entrepreneurship, open markets, and economic freedom. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-07: Tiroler ÖVP adopts new principles and regional membership model

The Tiroler ÖVP has adopted its first independent principle program and introduced a regional membership model to increase autonomy from the federal party.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tiroler-vp-adopts-new-principles-and-regional-membership-model

### 2026-10-24: Tiroler ÖVP members express dissent over proposed regional membership

Tyrolean ÖVP members, including MP Franz Hörl, are criticizing Governor Anton Mattle's plan to introduce a regional-only party membership, citing concerns over party unity and European focus.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tiroler-vp-members-express-dissent-over-proposed-regional-membership

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Cite as: Tyrolean ÖVP regional membership proposal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tyrolean-vp-regional-membership-proposal