The Salzburg branch of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) has announced that Wolfgang Mayer will succeed Stefan Schnöll as Deputy Governor and member of the provincial government. The decision was finalized by the party presidium on Sunday evening following Schnöll’s surprise announcement on Saturday that he would be retiring from politics to pursue a career in the private sector.
Governor and ÖVP leader Karoline Edtstadler confirmed the appointment during a press conference, noting that the transition will involve a restructuring of departmental responsibilities. Mayer, who currently serves as the ÖVP club chairman in the Salzburg state parliament, will take over the transport and finance portfolios. The health department, previously held by provincial councilor Daniela Gutschi, will also be transferred to Mayer. In exchange, Gutschi will assume responsibility for art, culture, and museums. Edtstadler will personally take over the tourism portfolio.
Mayer, 47, is a long-standing political strategist for the ÖVP in Salzburg. Regarding his new appointment, he stated that he intends to perform the duties as well as possible for as long as necessary. He is scheduled to be officially elected as Deputy Governor and provincial councilor by the state parliament on November 4.
Stefan Schnöll will remain in office until the 2027 and 2028 double budget has been negotiated and approved. Following Mayer’s departure from his current role, long-time member of the state parliament Hans Scharfetter is set to become the new ÖVP club chairman. The party expects to clarify who will fill the resulting vacancy in the state parliament in the coming days.