Overview
The 2022 Tyrolean state election (German: Landtagswahl 2022 in Tirol) was held on 25 September 2022 to elect the 36 members of the Landtag of Tyrol, one of Austria’s nine federal states. The election determined the composition of the state parliament for a legislative period of five years.
Electoral system
Tyrol uses a proportional representation system with closed party lists. Seats are allocated according to the Hare‑Neiman method in three regional constituencies (North, East, and West Tyrol). A party must achieve at least 4 percent of the statewide vote or win a direct seat in a constituency to enter the Landtag.
Background
The previous state election took place in 2018. The Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) emerged as the largest party, forming a coalition government with the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) under Governor Günther Platter (ÖVP). Leading up to the 2022 election, key issues included:
- Tourism and economic recovery after the COVID‑19 pandemic
- Climate policy and renewable energy development in the Alpine region
- Housing affordability, especially in Innsbruck and surrounding areas
- Migration and integration policies, reflecting national debates
Participating parties
Major parties contesting the election were:
| Party (German) | Abbreviation | Political orientation |
|---|---|---|
| Austrian People’s Party | ÖVP | Centre‑right, Christian‑democratic |
| Freedom Party of Austria | FPÖ | Right‑wing, nationalist |
| The Greens – The Green Alternative | GRÜNE | Centre‑left, environmentalist |
| Social Democratic Party of Austria | SPÖ | Centre‑left, social democratic |
| Team Tyrol | TEAM TIROL | Regionalist, centrist |
| Citizens' Forum Tyrol (formerly) | FRITZ | Regionalist (did not cross the 4 % threshold) |
Campaign
Campaign activities spanned the summer months, with parties holding rallies in urban centres (Innsbruck, Kufstein) and rural communities. The ÖVP emphasized continuity and economic stability; the FPÖ focused on stricter immigration controls and law‑and‑order policies; the Greens highlighted climate protection and sustainable tourism; the SPÖ campaigned on social security and affordable housing; Team Tyrol presented itself as a pragmatic regional alternative.
Results
| Party | Votes | % of vote | Seats (+/–) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ÖVP | 97,028 | 38.5 % | 14 (no change) |
| FPÖ | 51,367 | 20.4 % | 7 (−1) |
| Greens | 35,018 | 13.9 % | 5 (no change) |
| Team Tyrol | 24,095 | 9.6 % | 3 (+3) |
| SPÖ | 17,395 | 6.9 % | 2 (−2) |
| Others / non‑qualifying | – | – | 0 |
The ÖVP remained the largest party, retaining its 14 seats. The FPÖ suffered a small loss, while the Greens’ vote share was broadly stable. Team Tyrol entered the Landtag for the first time with three seats, surpassing the 4 % threshold. The SPÖ fell below the threshold in several constituencies and lost two seats.
Government formation
Following the election, Governor Günther Platter (ÖVP) confirmed that the ÖVP would continue its coalition with the FPÖ. Formal coalition negotiations concluded in early October 2022, and the new government was sworn in on 17 October 2022. The coalition retained the previous policy agenda with adjustments to climate and housing measures reflecting the Greens’ influence in the opposition.
Aftermath and significance
The election reinforced the ÖVP’s dominant position in Tyrolean politics, while the entry of Team Tyrol demonstrated a growing appetite for regionalist platforms. The results were interpreted as a microcosm of broader Austrian trends: the stability of the ÖVP‑FPÖ partnership at the state level, continued strength of the Greens, and challenges facing the SPÖ. The composition of the Landtag shaped legislative priorities, particularly in tourism recovery, environmental policy, and housing regulation for the 2022‑2027 term.
