At the 1953 Austrian legislative election, the DU entered into an electoral coalition called the "People's Opposition" with the KPÖ and the Socialist Workers' Party (SAP). In fact, this alliance was supported by the Soviet occupying forces, hoping to establish a national United front, with which Austria could be transformed into a socialist state. In this fantasy, the DU should replace the ÖVP in the medium term and the SAP the SPÖ. The KPÖ was also informed about these plans. In the occupation organs and a press campaign was operated for the people's opposition. Finally, the Alliance could gain in the election 5.28 percent of the vote and thus four mandates, a - measured by the support - for the Soviet Union disappointing result. Of the four mandates none went to Dobretsberger and the party lost more and more importance.
