In a surprising turn of events, the FPÖ has emerged as a significant force in Burgenland's recent elections, securing 28.9% of the vote and surpassing the ÖVP by a narrow margin.

This marks a notable shift in the region's political landscape, traditionally dominated by the SPÖ, which fell to third place with 27% of the vote.

The FPÖ's success is attributed to their strong campaign and the appeal of their candidates, Norbert Hofer and Alexander Petschnig, both of whom secured Nationalrat seats.

Meanwhile, the ÖVP's Niki Berlakovich narrowly missed retaining his seat by just 27 votes, highlighting the competitive nature of this election.

As the region prepares for the upcoming Landtag elections, the SPÖ faces challenges in maintaining its historical dominance, while the FPÖ's momentum suggests potential gains.