Tense Budget Situation Strains Coalition Negotiations

Although all parties still aim for a federal government consisting of the ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS, the leaders of the black and red parties are particularly disgruntled due to the deficit. Recently, SPÖ negotiator Josef Muchitsch attacked Lower Austrian governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, who had criticised the selection of topics.

Coalition Negotiations: Exchange of Blows Between Muchitsch and Mikl-Leitner

"If we do not take clear, effective measures to revive the economy and impose strict penalties on those refusing to integrate, then this government need not even start working," Mikl-Leitner, who cooperates with the FPÖ in her federal state, directed at the negotiation teams. She fears that a future traffic light government could thus "drive the country into the wall". "For days, representatives from three parties have been negotiating for hours to find solutions for the crisis with the largest budget deficit in the Second Republic, which, incidentally, came about without SPÖ participation. And then there are shouts from those who have contributed to the disaster," Muchitsch countered via "oe24". "We don't need these shouts from outside now. Unless you want to prevent this coalition. Then you should have the courage to say it."

Stocker Defends ÖVP's No to Coalition with Kickl

Despite the ongoing coalition negotiations of his party with the FPÖ in Styria, ÖVP Secretary General Christian Stocker defended the line on Monday. It is the decision of the state party, which has no influence on the ongoing negotiations at the federal level. "What we said before the election also applies to us after the election: We will not enter into a coalition with Herbert Kickl." The negotiations with SPÖ and NEOS are ongoing. "Our goal is and remains to form a majority government," said Stocker.

(APA/Red)

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