# Hans Niessl to Run for Austrian President in 2028 October 17, 2026 at 11:34 AM > Former Burgenland Governor Hans Niessl confirms his candidacy for the 2028 presidential election with a new support association. Former **Burgenland** Governor **Hans Niessl** has officially confirmed to KURIER that he will run in the 2028 Austrian presidential election. The SPÖ member finalized his candidacy in Bad Sauerbrunn, marking a significant return to the national political stage. To fund the campaign, **Andreas Binder** and former State Secretary **Peter Wittmann** founded a support association. Niessl, currently President of the Federal Sports Organization, must now secure 6,000 declarations of support to qualify for the presidential ballot. Niessl plans to publish a paper on neutrality and stated he would swear in FPÖ leader **Herbert Kickl** as Chancellor if a majority exists within constitutional bounds. His experience includes working with Green Sports Minister Werner Kogler on federal initiatives. #HansNiessl #Austria2028 [#AustrianPolitics]() [#SPÖ]() #PresidentialElection ## Related news ## [Anton Mattle Leads Tiroler ÖVP Party Overhaul]() October 17, 2026 at 10:21 AM ## [Austrian Leaders to Finalize University Budget]() October 16, 2026 at 03:49 PM ## [SPÖ Appoints Holzleitner and Kucher as Leaders]() October 8, 2026 at 02:17 PM ## [Andreas Babler Resigns as Vice Chancellor]() October 8, 2026 at 01:11 PM ## [Bures and Muchitsch Call for SPÖ Realignment]() September 18, 2026 at 10:55 AM