While ÖVP and SPÖ are exploring cooperation away from the public eye over the weekend, both Vorarlberg's VP Governor Markus Wallner and Carinthia's state leader Peter Kaiser (SPÖ) have made media overtures towards each other. Wallner signals a willingness to compromise on the bank levy via "Vorarlberger Nachrichten", while Kaiser takes a lenient stance on the budget path reported to Brussels in the "Ö1-Journal zu Gast": "Not far apart."

ÖVP Yes to Bank Levy?

Wallner was also quoted in the VN saying, "I don't see why we couldn't agree here." "The SPÖ accepts the fundamentals of budget consolidation, and we accept the bank levy," Wallner stated. However, the design of such a levy is crucial. The costs should not be passed on to bank customers, but rather the contributions should go into housing or energy financing, he stipulated.

Approval for a bank levy from the ÖVP is likely only in exchange for the austerity measures already reported to Brussels. Further demands from the People's Party's perspective include setting economic policy accents and a consistent migration policy. "Now party interests must take a back seat and the state as a whole must be prioritized. We cannot afford stagnation," said the Governor of Vorarlberg.

Kaiser showed openness to Wallner's demand: "I think that the budget path reported to Brussels by FPÖ and ÖVP for the first year can be adopted in essential parts," Kaiser told Ö1. It may require a "quick revision" in some areas. For the following years, it is "naturally necessary to work together with a perspective."

"Questioning One's Own Standpoints"

Kaiser also emphasized that it is necessary for both parties to move away from "entrenched positions." What is needed now are "quick decisions," a capable government, and parliamentary cooperation with all parties. Both SPÖ leader Andreas Babler and acting ÖVP chairman Christian Stocker must understand that "questioning one's own standpoints" is necessary and that the common good must be prioritized. "Insisting solely on party positions leads to failure."

The NEOS also reiterated their willingness to cooperate on Saturday, while pointing out that ÖVP and SPÖ must first come to an understanding. The basis of a capable government is a majority in the National Council, which initially requires a "sustainable cooperation" between ÖVP and SPÖ, as stated by Secretary General Douglas Hoyos in a statement. The NEOS are certainly ready to provide such cooperation with "additional breadth, reliability, and future perspective." Hoyos expressed openness to both a joint three-party government and cooperation on individual fundamental resolutions in the National Council.

Appeal from the Archbishop of Salzburg

Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Salzburg, Franz Lackner, has called for the formation of a "stable, consensus-oriented government that represents political opinions as broadly as possible while maintaining the greatest possible internal stability." "Essential criteria" such as respect for human dignity and human rights, social solidarity, and the freedom of the media, judiciary, and religion "should be taken for granted and not need to be demanded," emphasized the chairman of the Austrian Bishops' Conference according to Kathpress in a statement released on Saturday regarding the current political situation.

(APA/Red)

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