In the government negotiations, another decisive step could be taken today. The ÖVP and SPÖ have agreed to bring the NEOS back on board as a discussion partner - possibly even with the prospect of a fixed three-party coalition. However, it is not progressing as quickly as initially thought. An appointment expected at noon in the Hofburg is delayed.

On Friday morning, a party board meeting of the NEOS took place, as the APA learned from party circles. Afterwards, the three potential coalition partners met again. The question was how far the ÖVP and SPÖ are willing to accommodate the NEOS' wishes, for example in the area of pensions.

NEOS Apparently Back on Board in Coalition Talks

According to reports, the inclusion of the NEOS in a coalition is the wish of both the ÖVP and the Vienna SPÖ. Large parts of the Social Democrats could have imagined more flexible partnerships with the three opposition parties. That they are trying again now is somewhat surprising, as the NEOS had heavily criticized the SPÖ - especially its leader Andreas Babler - after the failure of the first three-party negotiations.

Education and Foreign Affairs Ministries Could Turn Pink

They are now likely to have been offered two ministries. These are said to be Education and Foreign Affairs. The core of the ÖVP ministries would include, in addition to the Chancellery, the agendas for Interior, Defense, Economy, and Agriculture. The SPÖ would receive, among others, Finance, Social Affairs, Infrastructure, and Women. Justice is likely to land with the ÖVP, but it could possibly go to the NEOS instead of Foreign Affairs. The appointment of the Education Ministry could be interesting, as the favorite was actually the Vienna City Councilor Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS). However, he is supposed to lead the state election in Vienna as the top candidate in two months.

Negotiations Probably Not Concluded Today

Regarding the next steps, several more days of negotiations are to be expected. That the government declaration can already be made at the regular session of the National Council next Wednesday would only be possible if a two-party coalition is formed. This is because the NEOS still need to consult their members, which is expected to take about a week.

FPÖ Detects "Voter Fraud"

The prospect of the three-party coalition does not leave the Freedom Party, who failed in forming a government, indifferent. General Secretary Michael Schnedlitz even writes of "voter fraud" by a "loser traffic light" in a press release. The "clear will of the voters" is being bypassed by "the system." "Destruction of prosperity," "security chaos," and "illegal mass immigration" are what Schnedlitz expects. Therefore, he calls for new elections.

Many NEOS Demands So Far Unreciprocated

If the ÖVP and SPÖ actually bring the NEOS back into the coalition boat, some differences need to be resolved. The protocols leaked in January regarding the negotiations of the three parties that failed at the turn of the year reveal where the NEOS faced obstacles.

Broadly set to red - and thus without agreement - remained the NEOS ideas on federal state reform, the reduction of advertising expenses and party financing, objectification in appointments, and depoliticization of the boards of ORF and social insurance.

In the area of budget and taxes, the NEOS advocated for earmarking the consolidation success for an income tax reform and a statutory spending cap. Both remained set to red. In the health sector, they hit a wall with the demand for single-source financing of the public health system.

On the reduction of ancillary wage costs, NEOS and ÖVP were in agreement, but the SPÖ slowed things down here. In the transport sector, the NEOS were alone with their desire for reforms in company cars and the diesel privilege.

The ÖVP and SPÖ also had little enthusiasm for the NEOS' wishes for pension reform, specifically linking the retirement age to life expectancy. Placing the entire education sector under federal competence and introducing a "middle maturity" also remained "red."

The NEOS, like the FPÖ recently, called for a reform of the chambers, including an end to compulsory membership. Both the ÖVP and SPÖ rejected the proposal. Strengthening competition among energy suppliers is also a concern that the NEOS could not push through.

Much also remained open in the area of national defense, where it is not clear from the protocols who supported or did not support which demands. In the past, the NEOS repeatedly stood out with the - unpopular among others - idea of a European army.

(APA/Red)

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