The program bears a strong pink, liberal, pro-European signature. "Without us, nothing will change!" Although the program and personnel of the coalition consisting of ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS have already been presented, according to the party statute, a two-thirds majority of the member assembly must approve NEOS's participation in the government.

Further Negotiations "Begin Tomorrow"

Meinl-Reisinger, who is designated as the Foreign Minister, spoke of a "historic moment" for NEOS and for Austria. NEOS was founded 13 years ago with the vision to renew Austria and to provide every child with the best education. Education is ultimately "the only resource of our beautiful country." It is about ending the neglect of the future in politics, which must think beyond narrow allotments, state borders, and the next election day.

In January, there were good reasons to walk away from the three-party negotiations. However, in the second round, many things were different. NEOS was able to contribute many important points and can be proud of the result. Therefore, she wants to enter this government "with confidence and unwavering optimism." "It is our success." It is clear that the negotiations with ÖVP and SPÖ are not yet over. "They begin tomorrow, for five years," said Meinl-Reisinger, whose speech received multiple standing ovations.

NEOS Should Show "That We Can Deliver and That We Will Deliver"

NEOS should show "that we can deliver and that we will deliver," the designated Minister of Education, Vienna's Deputy Mayor and City Councillor for Education, Christoph Wiederkehr, previously appealed to the members. "What lies ahead of us will be tough," he emphasized, because in government, it is about implementing visions. Governing is not a sprint, but a marathon, but: "We are well trained." Of course, one could also let ÖVP and SPÖ govern alone. "But we cannot afford the luxury of waiting." Austria needs an economic upswing, there must be no further stagnation in schools, in the current geopolitical situation, a capable government and a united Europe are needed.

After the party leaders, the members themselves were able to speak. For example, LIF founder Heide Schmidt and Hans Peter Haselsteiner advocated for a yes. "The alternative, to say no, would be a decision threatening the existence of NEOS as a parliamentary party today," warned the industrialist and former politician. There was praise from other members, especially for the government plans in the areas of education, disability, and support for Ukraine. The willingness of NEOS to help shape things was also emphasized.

Skeptics initially hardly dared to take the open stage. The Vienna party member Stephan Mittelbach, for example, saw "no work program, this is a paper of hope". The NEOS founding fathers would not agree here, he said, and he doubted the willingness and ability of the ÖVP and SPÖ to save. Josef Schellhorn, who is to become the State Secretary for Deregulation, had previously promoted that three-quarters of the budget consolidation should be achieved on the expenditure side.

Over 1,500 NEOS members who had registered in time were eligible to vote. The grassroots vote on the government program is expected in the early to late afternoon, depending on the number of speakers.

Before the vote, the party leadership had already campaigned intensively for the program and for the approval of the grassroots during online dialogues. On-site, information sheets were available listing "the ten most important successes" of the NEOS in the government program, including the planned second mandatory kindergarten year, a "chance bonus" for schools with particularly large challenges, a budget consolidation mainly through structural reforms, a reduction in non-wage labor costs, and an anti-bureaucracy program, the planned federal prosecutor's office, or a mandatory integration program from day one.

Black-Red as Plan B

In the 30-member Extended Federal Party Executive Committee, the government program and personnel package were already approved on Thursday evening - unanimously. There had indeed been critical voices in advance.

In the ÖVP and SPÖ, the respective executive committees had already approved the government program and ministerial list on Friday. If the NEOS also say yes, nothing would stand in the way of a swearing-in by Federal President Van der Bellen on Monday. The government declaration in the National Council could then follow on Friday. Should the pink grassroots refuse approval for the three-party coalition, the ÖVP and SPÖ reportedly already have a Plan B in their pocket. In this case, they would directly switch to a two-party coalition.

(APA/Red)

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