New Head of Elections and Legal Affairs Department in Vienna

As of June 3, 2025, Mag. Georg Hufgard-Leitner has been appointed as the new head of the Elections and Legal Affairs Department (MA 62) for the City of Vienna. The official appointment took place during a ceremony attended by Magistrate Director Dietmar Griebler, Democracy and Personnel Councillor Jürgen Czernohorszky, and Manfred Obermüller, Chair of the Main Group 1 of the Younion - The Public Service Union. Hufgard-Leitner succeeds Christine Bachofner, who retired at the end of February 2025 after a remarkable 40-year career with the City of Vienna, including 23 years as the head of MA 62.

Georg Hufgard-Leitner completed his law degree at the University of Vienna while working. He has held various positions in the Austrian Parliament, the Federal Chancellery, and the Federal Ministry for Education and Women. In 2018, he transitioned to the Port of Vienna, where he served as the Head of Human Resources and IMS. Since July 2020, he has led the Immigration and Citizenship Department (MA 35) within the City of Vienna.

Councillor Jürgen Czernohorszky emphasized the significance of the MA 62, which is responsible for overseeing all elections and referendums in Vienna, managing registration services, passport issuance, and addressing numerous legal matters. He expressed confidence that Hufgard-Leitner's extensive expertise and experience will greatly benefit the department as it tackles future challenges.

Christine Bachofner, who retired after decades of dedicated service, received accolades from Czernohorszky for her tireless efforts in leading MA 62, maintaining high legal standards, and shaping the department's direction. Her contributions were acknowledged as instrumental in the department's success.

The MA 62 has a diverse range of responsibilities, including the organization of elections, referendums, and public consultations, as well as managing petitions submitted to the Petitions Committee. The department also serves as the main point of contact for issues related to registration and passport services. Additionally, it acts as the foundation and fund authority for organizations based in Vienna that pursue charitable or benevolent purposes. Other responsibilities include handling legal matters related to the symbols of Vienna, legislative issues concerning land and district boundaries, civil service matters, and tasks associated with the Civil Service Act, the Vienna Security Act, and the Vienna Prostitution Act of 2011.

In 2024, the office of the Vienna Independent Party Audit Senate was established under the MA 62 in accordance with the Vienna Party Act. This independent body is charged with imposing fines for violations of specific regulations outlined in the Vienna Party Act.