Ex-Governor Haslauer lands a new role in Salzburg.
Wilfried Haslauer Steps Down as Salzburg's Landeshauptmann After 12-Year Tenure
After a remarkable 12-year tenure as the Landeshauptmann (Governor) of Salzburg, Wilfried Haslauer has handed over his position to Karoline Edtstadler on July 2, 2025. Haslauer, a long-standing member of the People's Party (ÖVP) in Salzburg, served as the state's leader since 2009.
Haslauer's political journey began as a newcomer following the ÖVP's defeat in the 2004 Salzburg state elections. He took over the party from Franz Schausberger and served as deputy governor under Gabi Burgstaller (SPÖ) before assuming the top position in 2009.
During his time as Landeshauptmann, Haslauer focused on improving cooperation between municipalities to increase efficiency and resource sharing, rather than enforcing municipal mergers. He oversaw initiatives aimed at digital transformation, such as the GovTech Campus, which promotes the joint development and sharing of digital government solutions among local, regional, and federal levels to enhance citizen services and reduce costs.
Haslauer's leadership also marked a focus on administrative reform, with his active participation in the working group for administrative reform. As the head of the partnership for administrative reform in Salzburg, he guided collaborative efforts among Salzburg's local governments to modernize administration and public service delivery efficiently.
Despite stepping down from his role as Landeshauptmann, Haslauer will continue to hold significant positions. He will remain the chairman of the supervisory board of both Salzburg AG and Großglockner Hochalpenstraßen AG, as well as the chairman of the board of trustees of the Paracelsus Medical Private University (PMU).
Moreover, Haslauer will return to his original profession as a lawyer. In early October, he will open a law firm in Salzburg with his wife Christina Haslauer, who is also a lawyer. Haslauer will also continue to hold the presidency of the International Salzburg Association (ISA) and the Johann-Michael-Haydn Society.
Wilfried Haslauer's term as Salzburg's Landeshauptmann ended on July 2, 2025, marking the conclusion of a 12-year tenure during which he made significant strides in modernizing administration and public service delivery in the state. His dedication to diligent and proper work was reflected in his statement, "Those who work diligently and properly have a de facto job guarantee." As he steps down, Haslauer leaves behind a legacy of effective leadership and commitment to the people of Salzburg.
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- The current general news in Salzburg's political landscape includes the migration of power from Wilfried Haslauer to Karoline Edtstadler, following the latter's appointment as Landeshauptmann.
- Amidst war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation debates within the country, Wilfried Haslauer's focus on administrative reform as Salzburg's Landeshauptmann was significant, given the potential implications for crime-and-justice and the streamlining of public services.
- As Wilfried Haslauer steps down, numerous areas of interest will continue to be addressed by him, including his involvement in the corporate world (company), as chairman of the supervisory boards of Salzburg AG and Großglockner Hochalpenstraßen AG, as well as his role in the educational sector (general-news), serving as the chairman of the board of trustees of the Paracelsus Medical Private University (PMU).
