Power Struggle Erupts at ÖAMTC Amid Leadership Changes
The ÖAMTC, Austria's automobile club, is currently entangled in a significant internal conflict that has emerged within its leadership. This turmoil presents a stark contrast to the club's motto, which promotes a positive experience for its members. With over 2.6 million members and more than 4,000 employees, the organization has traditionally operated smoothly, enjoying a healthy profit margin. Nevertheless, it now faces various economic challenges, particularly with the rising trend of electric vehicles that are less prone to breakdowns, necessitating a reevaluation of its operational strategies.
For 15 years, Oliver Schmerold led the ÖAMTC, believing that streamlining operations by eliminating redundancies would help the club adapt to these shifts. However, his attempts to implement cost-saving measures encountered fierce resistance from several regional branches, which ultimately led to his ousting in June 2025. A coalition of regional representatives managed to secure a vote of no confidence against him, citing fears of centralization that threatened their autonomy.
Concerns were primarily voiced by influential regional associations, particularly in Kärnten and Tirol, which accused Schmerold and ÖAMTC President Günter Thumser of attempting to consolidate power at the national level. The federated structure of the club has been a longstanding tradition in Austria, and any perceived threat to this system stirred substantial backlash.
In earlier meetings, attempts were made to avert this crisis, with Schmerold facing allegations of centralization and a lack of responsiveness to regional needs. Despite efforts at negotiation, the situation escalated, culminating in Schmerold's resignation. Meanwhile, Thumser was asked to step down from his voluntary presidential role by the end of the year, contingent upon finding a successor capable of bridging the divide between the opposing factions within the organization.
Interestingly, not all regions opposed the proposed efficiency improvements. Some, including those from Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland, saw potential benefits in the initiative. However, their support was insufficient to override the majority's discontent.
The leadership upheaval didn't end with Schmerold's departure. Walter Rothensteiner, the vice president and a prominent figure in the organization for 17 years, also resigned in protest against the aggressive campaign by certain regional leaders. This departure further complicated the club's governance structure, leaving significant vacancies in its upper echelons.
The search for Schmerold's successor has led to the appointment of Ernst Kloboucnik, who is close to retirement, indicating a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution. Additionally, the exit of Rothensteiner, along with vice president Harald Hertz due to age, has left the presidential council with fewer members, complicating the decision-making process.
Petra Stolba, a seasoned figure in Austrian tourism and communication, remains as one of the few active vice presidents. Her involvement in the earlier votes against Schmerold has led to speculation about her ambitions for the presidency, but the club's current focus is on finding a unifying leader who can reconcile the divided factions.
As the end of the year approaches, the urgency to appoint a new leader grows. If a suitable candidate is not found, Thumser may be compelled to continue, prolonging the ongoing discord within the ÖAMTC.