The fact that lockdowns and CoV politics have a massive impact on the public image of high-ranking actors in power – often negatively – was already clear to some experts. The fact that politicians, who are supposed to manage the crisis at the forefront, have lost a lot of trust is now becoming increasingly apparent.

Egger and Klambauer ahead of Haslauer

After the leadership trio of Schnöll, Schwaiger and Svazek, SPÖ state party leader David Egger and NEOS state councilor Andrea Klambauer are in fourth place. Only behind is Salzburg’s head of government, Haslauer, whom only 56 percent of those who believe are very or at least quite capable of moving things forward and making a difference in Salzburg.

The fact that Stefan Schnöll leads the ranking of the population’s trust does not surprise the political scientist Franz Fallend from the University of Salzburg: “Before he was quite present. One had the impression that something was going on. And now the relative invisibility of the subject of traffic is of use to him.”

Regarding the role of the liberal state party leader and opposition politician Marlene Svazek in third place, the expert says: “That surprised me. Because this question is also about what can be implemented practically in politics.”

Haslauer in the LH direct election further lonely ahead

It is also interesting how the people of Salzburg would decide if the governor were elected directly. Wilfried Haslauer is clearly ahead here. He would currently receive 44 percent. In second place with ten percent was SPÖ leader David Egger ahead of Heinrich Schellhorn from the Greens with nine percent. It is followed by the Freedom Svazek with five percent. Provincial Councilor Stefan Schnöll is beaten off here. Only two percent would currently choose the young man in a direct election as governor.

Real will be elected in Salzburg in spring 2023 – in just over a year. And not a governor is elected directly, but a new state parliament, which then also has to determine the head of government.