Austrian People's Party

The Austrian People's Party (German: Österreichische Volkspartei, ÖVP) is a Christian-democratic and liberal-conservative political party in Austria. Since January 2025, it has been led by Christian Stocker as an acting leader. The party is currently the second-largest in the National Council, holding 51 of the 183 seats, and won 26.3% of votes in the 2024 legislative election.

The ÖVP is part of the government in seven of Austria's nine state legislatures and leads six of them. It belongs to the International Democracy Union and the European People's Party, and five of Austria's 19 MEPs in the European Parliament are members of the ÖVP.

Founded in 1945 after the re-establishment of the Republic of Austria, the ÖVP is an unofficial successor to the Christian Social Party and the Fatherland Front. It has long been one of Austria's two major parties, alongside the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ). For many years, it was the most popular party and often governed in a grand coalition with the SPÖ.

History

The Austrian People's Party, or ÖVP, began as the Christian Social Party in 1893. After World War II, the ÖVP became one of Austria's main political groups and often helped lead the country.

The ÖVP won the first election after World War II and shared power with other parties. Over time, it has worked with many different groups. Recently, the party has changed its look and name a few times. After some problems, the party's leader changed a few times. In the 2024 election, the ÖVP became the second-largest party and is now led by Christian Stocker as acting leader.

Ideology and platform

The Austrian People's Party is a Christian-democratic, conservative group. It supports ideas like helping people help themselves and giving power to smaller groups.

After World War II, the party called itself the Austrian Party and worked with other parties to lead the country. In 2017, under leader Sebastian Kurz, the party changed its look and made new promises about rules for who can enter the country.

Organization

The Austrian People's Party has used several logos over the years. In the 1980s, one logo was used, and then a different logo was used before 2017. From 2017 to 2022, another logo was used. Since 2022, the party has a new logo.

Here is a chart showing the leaders of the party and the Chancellors of Austria since 1945. The chart shows when each leader served and which party was in charge of the government at that time.

Election results

National Council

The Austrian People's Party has taken part in many elections for the National Council. It often does well and sometimes works with other parties to form the government.

President

The party has also put forward candidates for president of Austria. Some of these candidates have won and helped lead the country.

European Parliament

The Austrian People's Party has sent members to the European Parliament. There, they help make decisions that affect many countries in Europe.

State Parliaments

In local elections for state parliaments, the party has also been successful. It has helped govern many states across Austria.

Results Timeline