Coalition - Crucial Week Has Begun
Throughout the day, the discussion partners will meet on the topics of economy, agriculture, national defense, internal security, and justice. After a disagreement arose over the weekend, the negotiators now urgently need to achieve success.
Divisions between FPÖ and ÖVP
After a quick agreement on budget consolidation, divisions between the Freedom Party and the ÖVP gradually emerged last week. First on the topic of ORF household levy, the abolition of which is a core concern of the FPÖ. Other sticking points are the topics of migration and European politics or the handling of Russia's war against Ukraine. The bank levy demanded by the FPÖ could also cause the project to fail.
Over the weekend, the situation escalated after a media conversation with ÖVP leader Christian Stocker. The FPÖ countered with concerted critical messages from their FPÖ state leaders about the current situation. Both parties also see themselves committed to their voters, compromises are hard to find. The ÖVP had demanded a commitment to Europe from its discussion partner. This is contradicted by statements from Petra Steger, who referred to the European Parliament as the "heart of injustice".
Kickl-Stocker Discussion?
Representatives of both parties do not want to talk about pure "theatrical thunder" at the moment. Rather, each side expects movement from the other. A conversation between the party leaders this week is also not out of the question. The original plan was to present a coordinated paper from the subgroups by Friday and to have the steering group meet the following week.
(APA/Red)
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