Coalition Negotiations: Dispute Over Department Allocation

The coalition negotiations between FPÖ and ÖVP remain challenging. Clarity on whether the negotiations will continue or be broken off should come after meetings of the party leaders with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. According to APA information, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl is expected at the Hofburg on Thursday, while ÖVP leader Christian Stocker is reportedly already expected on Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, both sides publicly expressed their positions.

Recently, there was also discussion about the distribution of ministries due to substantive disagreements. On Wednesday, Kickl once again reinforced the claim to the finance and interior ministries, and the ÖVP expressed "surprise" over this statement, which was spread via Facebook.

Meeting with FPÖ and ÖVP Leaders

On Tuesday, a small group of party leaders came together to discuss unresolved substantive issues - but relatively quickly, the discussion turned to the distribution of ministries. The FPÖ is claiming ministries that are particularly important to the ÖVP.

The Blues want the interior ministry with the areas of security and asylum, as well as the powerful finance ministry, in addition to the media and cultural agendas in the chancellery and also the European agendas. "That doesn't work for the ÖVP," it was said from turquoise negotiating circles. Reportedly, they parted ways somewhat angrily on Tuesday late afternoon. The ÖVP spoke of a "difficult phase." Both sides denied a breakdown in negotiations, as newspapers had temporarily headlined - negotiations continue on Wednesday, including subgroups on social affairs and agriculture.

In any case, Stocker consulted with a party board convened at short notice on Tuesday evening. There, the party leader was strengthened in his negotiation guidelines - Austria as a reliable partner in the EU, protecting the rule of law and liberal democracy, and preventing foreign influence - it was said from the ÖVP. These principles of the People's Party should also be reflected in the distribution of ministries, it was agreed.

Waiting in FPÖ

In the FPÖ, they were waiting on Wednesday for a response from the negotiating partner to the proposed list. They also wanted to discuss the further course of action. In the afternoon, Kickl reinforced in a Facebook post his party's claim to lead both the finance ministry and the interior ministry. It is not about "positions and power." Rather, there needs to be an "honest fight against inflation," Austrians want "a proper and honest budget instead of a mountain of debt" - and "an honest migration and security policy that finally makes it clear again that Austria is master in its own house."

A good minister is "just like a good chancellor, only a tool, an instrument, a servant" and "a means to implement the will of the Austrians in very specific political areas." "That's why it's important to us that we have responsibility for finances and the state budget," emphasized Kickl. Because it was the last finance ministers "who are responsible for this budget with billions in debt. There can be no 'business as usual'." In security policy and asylum policy, the FPÖ also wants a change of course. "If we are to be responsible for the results, then we must first be the ones who have the opportunity to shape this course and implement it step by step. That's why the interior ministry is important."

Surprised by these publicly expressed points, the ÖVP reacted on Wednesday afternoon: "A few weeks ago, we decided to negotiate honestly and constructively with the FPÖ about forming a government," it was stated in a written statement to the APA. Much has been resolved, but "important points" remain open.

"Today's Facebook post by Herbert Kickl surprised us," the statement continued. "If you want to find a partner for a joint government, you should approach them and make an offer on equal terms. Herbert Kickl has accepted the mandate to form a government. Therefore, the ball is in his court."

Failure of Coalition Negotiations?

Time is pressing: Kickl is supposed to report to Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen on Thursday - actually regularly. Nevertheless, the pressure to report successes is likely to be high. However, it is also possible that the FPÖ leader will report the failure of the talks to the head of state, which could lead to a new election. There was initially no confirmation of the appointment from the Hofburg.

The allocation of posts is not the only open point in the negotiations. According to APA information, essential points in the subgroups are marked "red," especially in those concerning foreign policy or media, but also partially in the areas of finance and taxes. The chief negotiators are supposed to address these unresolved issues, but progress seems to have been limited so far.

Bank Levy, ORF, Sky Shield

There still seems to be no movement from either side regarding the bank levy demanded by the Freedom Party. The turquoise economic wing is also likely to oppose a financial contribution from the chambers to budget consolidation. Additional points of contention include the FPÖ's desired abolition of the ORF household levy, the Sky Shield missile defense system, and a common line on European policy.

Another sticking point in the substantive negotiations is the future strategy for combating anti-Semitism. Here, former National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka (ÖVP) is said to insist on the Holocaust Center desired by the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG).

One project that is likely to be definitively off the table is the national stadium promised by the ÖVP during the election campaign. Former Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) had set its construction as a goal by 2030. According to APA information, both sides agree that this project is currently not financially feasible.

(APA/Red)

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