First Republic (1918 - 1934)

The provisional city council of 1918 echoed in its affiliations the city council during the monarchy. As the German Liberals (formerly the German Nationalists) formed a majority in the chamber, the council selected Karl Sadleder as mayor.

It was not until the electoral reforms of 1919, which had preceded local elections, that general and equal suffrage was introduced, including women for the first time. It was this that enabled the city council to accurately represent the express wishes of the electorate.
The first local elections in Linz during the republic were held in 1919. In Josef Dametz the Social Democrats held the office of mayor for the first time.

The new local government statute of 1920 fixed the terms of the council and so of the mayor at four years. An extra post of deputy mayor was added to the existing two positions. The statute was renewed in 1931: The terms of office for councillors and mayor were extended to six years.