Austria: SPÖ leader suggests candidates for 2028 presidential election

Philip Wohlgemuth, the leader of the SPÖ party in Tyrol, has put forward three names as potential candidates for the Austrian presidential election scheduled for 2028. The individuals he suggested are Peter Kaiser, the former governor of Carinthia; Doris Bures, the Third President of the National Council; and Hans Niessl, the former governor of Burgenland.

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I can imagine that Carinthia's former governor Peter Kaiser, the Third President of the National Council Doris Bures, or also Burgenland's former governor Hans Niessl could run for the SPÖ.

Wohlgemuth described these individuals as "undoubtedly suitable" for the role but declined to express a specific preference among them. He particularly praised Kaiser, calling him a "role model" for his calm and social demeanor. Wohlgemuth emphasized that the party committees will make the final decision at the appropriate time, but he strongly advocates for the SPÖ to present its own candidate for the "Hofburg" (presidential palace).

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I would describe him as a role model. With his calm and social manner.

Notably, Hans Niessl had previously announced in February his consideration of a candidacy. At that time, he also expressed sharp criticism of the current party leadership and suggested he might run as a non-partisan candidate if not nominated by the SPÖ. In a May interview, Niessl indicated he was still preparing for a potential run, leaning towards an "over-party platform."

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The committees will make the right decisions at the appropriate time.

Apart from Niessl's successor in Burgenland, Hans Peter Doskozil, no other high-ranking SPÖ officials have publicly endorsed Niessl's potential candidacy. The next presidential election is slated for the autumn of 2028, as the incumbent, Alexander Van der Bellen, will have completed his second term and cannot run again.

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It is strongly leaning towards a non-partisan platform.