Oberösterreichischer Landesrat Achleitner tritt zurück

Markus Achleitner, the economic affairs minister for Upper Austria, has resigned from his position following widespread criticism. In a personal statement released on Friday, the 57-year-old explained that he wants to ensure an orderly transition one year before the upcoming provincial elections. He will continue leading his department until the next provincial assembly meeting on November 12, after which he plans to return to the private sector. The resignation comes after months of debate over Achleitner's political work. Recently, he faced criticism over several economic policies. This included the development of the industrial housing area in Ohlsdorf, where 18 hectares of forest were cleared, yet the promised hundreds of jobs have not materialized. His handling of communication around Google's planned establishment in Kronstorf also sparked discussion. Additionally, the restrictive approach of the provincial government regarding wind power expansion drew criticism from business circles. Notably, Provincial Governor Thomas Stelzer (ÖVP) has increasingly taken a more active role in economic issues, stepping into agendas previously managed by Achleitner. Christiane Frauscher, the provincial finance director, is considered a likely successor. She could be elected as a new member of the provincial government during the assembly session on November 12. An official decision on her appointment had not been made at the time. Achleitner was brought into the provincial government by Stelzer at the end of 2018 as a political outsider. Since then, he has overseen areas including economy, tourism, energy, and sports. The ÖVP announced it would provide further details about the personnel changes during a press conference on Friday at noon. With Achleitner’s departure, Upper Austria faces a personnel change within its provincial government just months before the critical phase leading up to the next provincial election.