In November 2021, Elke Kahr was sworn in as mayor of Graz, Austria’s second largest city. Kahr is not only the first Communist mayor of an Austrian city but of any major city across Europe. There are four factors that explain the surge of Communism and Elke Kahr’s success in Graz. First, the KPÖ’s focus on social issues and the common good. Over the past decades, the Styrian Communists have effectively campaigned for affordable housing and actively supported those in need. Second, the KPÖ’s credibility among voters. Kahr has been holding regular office hours for anyone to come by to discuss everyday problems. With this unorthodox approach, she has gained credibility and earned the trust of voters. As is common practice within the Styrian KPÖ, Kahr limits her politician's salary. Two-thirds of the money goes to a social fund for people who are having ...