ÖVP at a Glance

Flag of Austria

Österreichische Volkspartei

Austrian People's Party

Political Compass
Conservative
Social
Market-oriented
Progressive
Stance on the EU
Anti-EU
Pro-EU
The Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) is a Christian-democratic and conservative party with a center-right orientation. It sees itself as a formative force of the civic middle class and is often referred to as a classic 'state party' due to its historical roots and extensive networks.

Values and Worldview

The foundation of the ÖVP rests on the values of Christian humanism, personal responsibility, and solidarity. Its worldview is shaped by the principle of subsidiarity: the state intervenes only when individuals, families, or communities are overwhelmed. The party combines liberal economic approaches with a value-conservative social vision. It emphasizes the preservation of traditions and a strong national identity within a stable European framework, viewing property rights and the social market economy as cornerstones of prosperity.

Policy Priorities

The ÖVP's agenda focuses on economic competitiveness, tax relief for high-achievers, and a restrictive immigration policy. It positions itself as a representative of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, and the agricultural community. A central area of tension involves balancing ecological imperatives with industrial interests. The party advocates for a strong rule of law and champions security and public order, while in social policy, it emphasizes targeted support to prioritize individual initiative over state dependency.

Role in the Political System

As one of the dominant forces of the Second Republic, the ÖVP holds a central position of power within Austria's political system. Its strategy relies on strong roots in the federal states (Bundesländer) and professional chambers, granting it profound informal influence. Regarding the rule of law, it acts as a foundational pillar, yet frequently faces criticism when conservative power aspirations clash with an independent judiciary or strict oversight mechanisms. It embodies the interface between business and public administration.

Latest Regional Polls

Current Polling

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10
20
30
40+

Swing since last election

-5
0
5+

View all state polls

Key Policy Areas & Ideological Alignment

This chart illustrates the key issues for the party. Points further from the center indicate higher significance.

Core Positions & Policy Platforms

Stance 2024
Stance 2019

Economy & State

Wealth Redistribution
Pro-Redistribution
Market-Driven
Fiscal Policy
Public Investment
Austerity & Tax Cuts
Trade Policy
Free Trade
Protectionism

Society & Values

Civil Liberties vs. Security
Civil Liberties
Law & Order
Gender Equality Measures
Pro-Promotion
Against Promotion
LGBTQ+ Equality
Pro-Equality
Traditional Values
Same-Sex Marriage
Pro-Marriage
Against
Religion in Politics
Secularism
Religious Influence
Urban vs. Rural Priority
Focus on Urban Areas
Focus on Rural Areas

Environment & Climate

Environment vs. Economy: What's More Important?
Environmental Protection Over Economic Growth
Economic Growth Over Environmental Protection
Climate Action vs. Economic Growth
Climate Protection First
Economic Growth First

Migration & Integration

Immigration Policy
Open
Restrictive
Integration & Culture
Multiculturalism
Assimilation
Rights for Ethnic Minorities
Expand Rights
Equal Treatment Only
National Sovereignty
Cosmopolitan
Nationalist

Democracy & Institutions

Executive Power Distribution
Decentralized
Strong Executive
Judicial Independence
Independent
Executive Oversight
State Organization
Federalism
Centralism

Voter Demographics: Who Supports ÖVP?

Voter Profile
Conservative
Social
Market-oriented
Progressive
Self-assessment of a random sample of ÖVP voters within the PolitPro community.
Scientific Analysis
Community Voters

Economy & State

Society & Values

Civil Liberties vs. Security
Civil Liberties
Law & Order

Environment & Climate

Migration & Integration

Democracy & Institutions

How to Interpret the Data

We surveyed voters across all parties within the PolitPro community about their stances on key political issues. The bars illustrate the range of opinions among ÖVP supporters. A shorter bar indicates a more homogeneous opinion among supporters. Where available, the party's official position is displayed as a circle.

Data Sources & Methodology

These values are derived from data provided by ÖVP supporters on the PolitPro platform. While this data is not a traditional representative random sample, the high number of participants provides deep insights into the priorities and values of the active voter base.

Historical Election Results

ÖVP: Election Result Trends in Austria

Latest Regional Election Results

Current Government Roles of ÖVP

Current Roles in Regional and National Governments

History of Government Participation since 1945

Power Dynamics: Historical Government Roles
Leading Government
In Government
29

Total Cabinet Participations

Total Duration: 69 years • 7 months • 2 weeks • 6 days

18

Cabinets Led

Total Duration: 42 years • 2 months • 2 weeks • 6 days

11

Coalition Participations

Total Duration: 27 years • 5 months

79%

Time in Government

The party participated in government for 79% of the legislative period.

Stocker
2024
ÖVP
SPÖ
NEOS
Nehammer
2019
ÖVP
GRÜNE
Schallenberg
2019
ÖVP
GRÜNE
Kurz II
2019
ÖVP
GRÜNE
Kurz I
2017
ÖVP
FPÖ
Kern
2013
SPÖ
ÖVP
Faymann II
2013
SPÖ
ÖVP
Faymann I
2008
SPÖ
ÖVP
Gusenbauer
2006
SPÖ
ÖVP
Schüssel II
2002
ÖVP
FPÖ
BZÖ
Schüssel I
1999
FPÖ
ÖVP
Klima
1995
SPÖ
ÖVP
Vranitzky V
1995
SPÖ
ÖVP
Vranitzky IV
1994
SPÖ
ÖVP
Vranitzky III
1990
SPÖ
ÖVP
Vranitzky II
1986
SPÖ
ÖVP
Vranitzky I
1983
SPÖ
ÖVP
Klaus II
1966
ÖVP
Klaus I
1962
ÖVP
Gorbach II
1962
ÖVP
SPÖ
Gorbach I
1959
ÖVP
SPÖ
Raab IV
1959
ÖVP
SPÖ
Raab III
1956
ÖVP
SPÖ
Raab II
1953
ÖVP
SPÖ
Raab I
1953
ÖVP
SPÖ
Figl III
1949
ÖVP
SPÖ
Figl II
1949
ÖVP
SPÖ
Figl I
1945
ÖVP
SPÖ
KPÖ
Staatsregierung Renner IV
1930
SPÖ
ÖVP
KPÖ

Data Sources and Methodology

PolitPro

PolitPro bridges the gap between scientific research and current polling. We supplement leading datasets with our own proprietary research and algorithms to make complex political contexts tangible and accessible. Powered by AI.

Found a Mistake?

Political data is constantly evolving. If you spot an error, please let us know. A brief reference to your source will help us verify and update the information.

ParlGov – Parliamentary Democracy Data

A comprehensive research database from the University of Bremen, documenting parties, elections, and governments for comparative analysis.

Additional Sources

Döring, Holger and Philip Manow. 2024. Parliaments and governments database (ParlGov).

CHES – Chapel Hill Expert Survey

The leading expert survey on party positions in Europe. Over 400 political scientists document party stances based on rigorous scientific criteria.

Additional Sources

Rovny, Jan, et al. “25 Years of Political Party Positions in Europe: The Chapel Hill Expert Survey, 1999-2024.”