Coalition Negotiations: ÖVP and SPÖ Conduct "Intensive Talks"

In the last two days, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen has met with the leaders of all parties represented in parliament to find out what options are still being considered. Now, they are waiting to see if some parties can come close enough to enter coalition negotiations. Only then will the Hofburg take further steps.

ÖVP's Stelzer Hopes for Successful Government Formation

"There are no negotiations, but at the request of the Federal President, we will hold talks with the other parties," was heard from the ÖVP on Friday. However, it was not disclosed with whom and when exactly these talks would take place. Upper Austrian Governor Thomas Stelzer (ÖVP), who accompanied VP leader Christian Stocker to the Hofburg the previous day, spoke more extensively. At a press event, he stated that the ÖVP has shown in recent months that it is ready to "jump over our so-called ideological shadow, that we are also interested in pragmatic solutions." He hopes that now is the time for a government to emerge: "It is important that everyone now recognizes that there is no more time and space for political games or ideological nonsense."

New elections would "massively harm" the country in any case. What is needed is a government with a majority. This applies to Stelzer even if it only has a one-seat majority: "A majority is a majority." For Stelzer, it would not fail because the not very popular Andreas Babler in the ÖVP is the SPÖ's chief negotiator: "Who speaks for a party or appears there must also be decided by the respective party itself." The governor remains committed to VP leader Stocker. Depending on what happens, he will also be the top representative of the ÖVP. Meanwhile, Tyrol's Governor Anton Mattle (ÖVP) once again advocated for a three-party coalition between the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS in the "Tiroler Tageszeitung" (Friday edition). He is convinced that "a quick conclusion of a centrist coalition led by the People's Party is possible," Mattle explained. However, Tyrol's state leader maintained his rejection of SPÖ leader Babler's involvement in such a future coalition, slightly softening his recent stance: "My suggestion that Babler withdraws from the negotiating team and steps aside was not a condition, but a clear recommendation."

Coalition Negotiations: SPÖ Has Established Negotiating Team

Babler made rather cryptic statements in two media appearances yesterday. However, it is assured in large parts of the party that there is indeed interest in trying again with the ÖVP. Not for nothing has the SPÖ established a negotiating team, which includes, among others, the Third President of the National Council, Doris Bures, who is considered a confidante of Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig and is also well-regarded as a negotiating partner by the ÖVP. However, she will be in New York until Saturday.

Currently, it is more likely that the People's Party and Social Democrats are aiming for a two-party coalition and are seeking thematic partnerships with NEOS and possibly the Greens to secure the weak majority of one seat. The first critical point will be the budget decision, where even a double budget is planned. VP leader Christian Stocker has also remained vague recently but at least made it clear that a safeguard will be needed.

NEOS and Greens Await After Failure of Blue-Black

The NEOS had no concrete plans for the coming days as of Friday. First, it is necessary to wait for further decisions from the Federal President, it was stated in response to an APA inquiry. However, they are in contact with other parties by phone. Now, the ÖVP and SPÖ need to come together, according to the Greens. That would be the basis for a constructive majority - "and then we'll see." The Greens are, of course, ready for further discussions. Even now, they are in regular informal exchanges on different levels. The political chess game on the back of "our homeland" must be ended in any case.

Kickl Frustrated After Failure of Coalition Negotiations

Whether and how the FPÖ will be involved in upcoming discussions about possible government forms remains open for now. Party leader Herbert Kickl initially used Facebook as a platform to channel his frustration over the failed negotiations with the ÖVP and to rant about the last offer from the Turquoise regarding the distribution of ministries. "This offer shows much more that the ÖVP probably only negotiated with us for appearances and was already making deals with other parties in the background. It is becoming increasingly clear how absurd the ÖVP's negotiation style was and what this party really wants."

Coalition Negotiations: IV Shocked by Failure

The President of the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV), Georg Knill, had previously shown himself "appalled" by the reasons for the failure in a "Kurier" interview - "due to a discussion about positions." He cannot agree with the statement from ÖVP negotiator and President of the Economic Chamber, Harald Mahrer, that the FPÖ was in a "power frenzy." "This or a similar distribution of portfolios will not be so quickly available to the ÖVP in the future. The People's Party is threatened with third place in the next election. To speak of a power frenzy under these conditions - I find that somewhat bizarre."

(APA/Red)

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