The number of women within Austria’s government, the National Council and provincial governments experienced a significant decline between 2021 and 2022, according to the Institute for Parliamentarism and Democracy.

Indeed, female representation in top political roles in Austria fell considerably during this time, yet in contrast, increases – although often minor – were registered in other European Union countries, the Institute added.

“2022 was not a jubilant year for women in Austria’s top politics,” according to the Institute, as reported by APA. 

In addition, among government ministers, the number of women fell from 46.7% in 2021 to 35.7% last year, following a number of government reshuffles that have led to eight of the 18 members of the government now being female, Euractiv reports.

This same pattern also applies to the country’s National Council and the provincial governments.

Furthermore, in more general terms, the number of women within top political roles rose throughout the European Union, even though some increases started off smaller. Indeed, four of the 21 elected heads of state are now female, whilst the number of female heads of government has increased from five to six.

Spain is in the first place when it comes to women in top political positions, amounting to 60%, followed by Finland with 57.9%; Belgium with 53.3%; France with 50%; and the Netherlands, also with 50%.

The number of women within the European Union institutions has experienced a marginal decline. That said, the European Commission and the European Parliament are currently headed by women, the Euractiv report goes on to add.