Failed Coalition Negotiations: Reactions from the Federal States

After the failure of the blue-black coalition negotiations, there are different ideas on how to proceed. Tyrol's governor Anton Mattle (ÖVP) proposed a three-party coalition of ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, but only without SPÖ leader Andreas Babler. There are differing views within the red regional organizations.

Mattle would prefer if Babler "steps aside". This could resolve the unresolved points of the three-party negotiations. However, this will likely meet with little approval from the Social Democrats. The first to express this was Tyrol's acting SPÖ leader and deputy governor Philip Wohlgemuth: "The personnel of the SPÖ is solely a matter for the SPÖ." Otherwise, Wohlgemuth showed openness to negotiations.

Lercher Supports Expert Government

Steiermark's SPÖ leader Max Lercher has a different view. Instead of further negotiations, he prefers to see the political work in parliament strengthened in the free play of forces. "All parties are now challenged to work together in the interest of the population to develop solutions for the problems, vote on them, and implement them with broad support," said Lercher. Burgenland's governor Hans Peter Doskozil (SPÖ) echoed this sentiment, advocating again for an expert government, a "phase of consolidation and cooling down", and then for new elections.

Carinthia's governor Peter Kaiser (SPÖ) spoke in favor of preparing for new elections. These do not have to take place immediately, but over the next two years. The parliament is functioning, he said in a statement on X. "I hope it will be tasked with quickly creating a budget."

Ludwig and Mahrer Commented

Vienna's mayor and SPÖ leader Michael Ludwig emphasized in a conversation with "krone.tv" that it is now necessary for the reasonable forces to come together. "In the last few days, we have actually witnessed a disgraceful spectacle," he stated. ÖVP and FPÖ were only concerned with functions and positions. Now it is necessary to look at the country's budgetary situation and, for example, strengthen the labor market.

Ludwig indicated that he would involve himself in any discussions: "We would have major tasks to solve, and if I can contribute to that, I will gladly do so." He also insisted that he never hoped for the bogeyman of an FPÖ/ÖVP government for the Vienna election. "Anyone who knows me knows that the welfare of the state is more important to me than party interests."

Now it is the Federal President's turn to speak on how to proceed, emphasized Vienna's VP leader Karl Mahrer during a brief media appearance in front of the party headquarters. The offers from the SPÖ and the NEOS to resume talks are "to be taken seriously," said Mahrer: "I believe everything that contributes to us quickly getting a responsible and stable federal government is important now."

Stelzer "Not at All Pleased"

The Governor of Upper Austria, Thomas Stelzer (ÖVP), is "not at all pleased" and places the responsibility for the failure on the FPÖ: Their leader Herbert Kickl never gave the impression of being interested in cooperation. The ÖVP has gone beyond its limits, "but we have always said that there will be no government formation at any cost."

"The failure of the government negotiations is to be acknowledged," declared Salzburg's Governor Wilfried Haslauer (ÖVP): "Our country, given the immense challenges Austria faces, needed a stable and capable government quickly, and the Austrian People's Party approached these talks with honest effort and despite great criticism." However, joint and solution-oriented negotiations must always be characterized by the willingness to approach the counterpart and "must not be limited to enforcing one's own ideas. Apparently, this was not possible with Herbert Kickl."

Failure of Coalition Negotiations Foreseeable for Wallner

For Vorarlberg's ÖVP state party chairman and Governor Markus Wallner, the failure of the negotiations had been foreseeable for several days. Kickl failed to "build the necessary trust to form a majority-capable government" - the ÖVP had already taken a big step towards him by being willing to enter negotiations. "Now the next steps need to be discussed. In any case, the Federal President is next," said Wallner.

Salzburg's Deputy Governor Marlene Svazek (FPÖ) expressed frustration and disappointment. "My disappointment is great, and as someone who has negotiated a lot of good for rural areas, it is also frustrating," Svazek stated in an initial statement. The negotiations were always about the welfare of Austria and its people. "I am also sorry about the situation because, first and foremost, the population suffers from it, and trust in politics will continue to decline."

Hofer: "Missed Opportunity"

Disappointed by the failure of the government negotiations, Burgenland's FPÖ club chairman Norbert Hofer expressed that it was a "missed opportunity for stability and economic security." In light of the current economic challenges, he believed a stable and decisive government was needed. "The fact that this was not achieved is not only disappointing but also dangerous for Austria's economic future and social cohesion," said Hofer, who blamed the ÖVP for the failed coalition negotiations. They had demanded "a disproportionate concentration of power" with all key ministries, which made "fair cooperation" impossible.

The disappointment was also "great" for Tyrol's FPÖ leader Markus Abwerzger. "At the same time, I also do not understand an ÖVP that apparently has not recognized the signs of the times and wants to stick to a 'business as usual' approach. Perhaps it is really time for the ÖVP to regenerate in the opposition," explained Abwerzger.

Vienna's FPÖ leader Dominik Nepp suggested to ORF that there were "secret parallel negotiations between the ÖVP and SPÖ." Therefore, the ÖVP only wanted to talk about personnel matters and not about content. For Nepp, the "most likely scenario now is that the system will come together," meaning a black-red coalition with a "green sidecar."

Vorarlberg's FPÖ state chairman and deputy governor (deputy provincial governor) Christof Bitschi said that the federal ÖVP still seems unwilling to accept the election result, rather it apparently prioritizes retaining power above all else. The FPÖ had presented "a more than fair proposal with a clear and just distribution of ministries that corresponds to the core competencies of both parties."

Styria's FPÖ governor Mario Kunasek echoed this sentiment: "It is regrettable that the ÖVP rejected Herbert Kickl's fair offer," Kunasek stated on Facebook. The People's Party would have received one more ministry than the FPÖ, and each party would have received the ministries where their respective core competencies lie. A stable federal government is urgently needed now, as there are major challenges ahead in the areas of security, migration, and the economy.

LIVE Blog After End of Coalition Negotiations

(APA/Red)

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