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# Babler Confirms SPÖ Leadership Despite Challenge

September 27, 2026 at 10:40 AM

> Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler reaffirms his role as SPÖ leader following Gerhard Zeiler's public bid for the party chairmanship.

**SPÖ** Chairman and Vice Chancellor **Andreas Babler** confirmed his intention to remain party leader during the 'Tag des Sports' in **Vienna**. This follows media manager **Gerhard Zeiler**'s announcement to the 'Kronen Zeitung' that he is available to lead the party.

Babler was re-elected in March for a three-year term, but internal debate persists. A leadership challenge requires 12,500 member signatures or a board decision. While Salzburg and Burgenland leaders reject the move, others call it a democratic process.

The party faces a historical low as the federal executive board prepares for a November 6 meeting. This internal friction occurs as the **National Council** votes on a fuel price brake Monday, echoing past leadership contests like Kreisky's 1967 victory.



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