KPÖ and Greens to continue Graz coalition

The KPÖ (Communist Party of Austria) and the Green Party have finalized coalition negotiations, agreeing to continue their partnership in Graz for the next five years. The announcement came eight weeks after the municipal election, with both parties expressing their commitment to collaboration.

The new city senate and the distribution of departmental responsibilities are scheduled to be unveiled on Friday. The proportional representation-based city government will see Elke Kahr of the KPÖ officially re-elected as mayor in the upcoming municipal council meeting on August 27th. Key figures like Vice Mayor Judith Schwentner (Greens) and KPÖ councilors Robert Krotzer and Manfred Eber are expected to retain their positions, alongside ÖVP members Kurt Hohensinner and Claudia Unger, and new addition René Apfelknab from the FPÖ.

The KPÖ secured a significant victory in the June 28th election, garnering 35.7% of the vote, surpassing the ÖVP. This result confirmed their strong showing from 2021 and indicated a clear mandate for the left-leaning parties. The Greens, with 14.9% of the vote, alongside the KPÖ, hold a combined 25 seats in the 48-member city council, ensuring a stable governing majority. Both Kahr and Schwentner had previously expressed their desire to continue the successful coalition.