Exploratory Talks Begin After Burgenland Election

Burgenland's Governor Hans Peter Doskozil (SPÖ) will first meet with FPÖ top candidate Norbert Hofer, who has already been excused from the National Council meeting. Meanwhile, there is unrest in the ÖVP following the Burgenland election - after the party executive confirmed Chairman Christian Sagartz on Monday, there are now rumours of a replacement.

After Burgenland Election: Steiner Denies Takeover of the State Party

Sagartz was unanimously given the vote of confidence by his colleagues with one abstention. He was also tasked with conducting preliminary talks about a possible coalition with Doskozil. However, rumours then emerged that he could be replaced at the top - ironically by his predecessor Thomas Steiner. In response to corresponding media reports, Steiner stated to APA: "The fact is that Christian Sagartz was asked by the state party executive to hold talks with the governor about a possible coalition." He also emphasized in the statement: "Anyone who knows me knows that I am the mayor of Eisenstadt with great passion. My heart is 100 percent committed to Eisenstadt and this is exactly where I belong." State Managing Director Patrik Fazekas also referred to that meeting of the state party executive where Sagartz was given the vote of confidence and he was tasked with conducting the talks.

Doskozil, as announced, will open the round of exploratory talks with Hofer - in the middle of the week, as it was said. This will be followed by the ÖVP and the Greens based on the election results. Where and when these meetings will take place will not be announced, as confidentiality has been agreed. Public statements are also not planned. The further schedule includes internal consultations of the SPÖ on Saturday and then the announcement of the partner for the coalition talks on Monday after the red committee meetings.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.