Coalition Negotiations: ÖVP and SPÖ Hold "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 which 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, that must also be decided by the respective party itself." Stelzer stands by VP leader Stocker. Depending on what happens, he will also be the top representative of the ÖVP.

Coalition Negotiations: SPÖ Has Established Negotiation Team

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

ÖVP and SPÖ Could Attempt a Two-Party Coalition

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

NEOS and Greens Await After Failure of Blue-Black Coalition

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 said in response to an APA inquiry. However, they are in contact with other parties by phone. Now, ÖVP and SPÖ must first come together, according to the Greens. This is the basis for a constructive majority - "and then we'll see." The Greens are, of course, ready for further talks. 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 Coalition Negotiations Fail

Whether and how the FPÖ will be involved in upcoming talks 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 for the distribution of ministries. "This offer shows much more that the ÖVP probably only negotiated with us for show and has already been making deals with other parties in the background. It is becoming increasingly apparent how absurd the ÖVP's negotiation style was and what this party really wants." In a post shortly before, however, Kickl also sent something positive into the world: "On Valentine's Day, it's about more than just flowers and chocolate - it's about TRUE LOVE!"

(APA/Red)

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