Innsbruck's Mayor, Johannes Anzengruber, has sharply criticized Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen for his decision to task the ÖVP with forming a government instead of the FPÖ, which won the most votes.

Anzengruber, who leads the JA - Jetzt Innsbruck party, argues that the President acted ideologically and should have respected the democratic choice of the people.

He also criticized his former party, the ÖVP, for focusing too much on its own base rather than engaging with the broader public.

Anzengruber calls for reforms in taxes and duties, urging the negotiating parties, ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, to take action.

Despite his criticisms, Anzengruber maintains a good relationship with regional ÖVP leaders and remains committed to local politics.