Who rules with whom? – Elections in Lower Austria: the poker for power begins

In Lower Austria, power is being redistributed after the state elections. The parties position themselves for this poker. The initial situation: the ÖVP is dependent on the SPÖ in forming a government, because the FPÖ refuses to cooperate with the state governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner.

SPÖ in good negotiating position
Although the Reds have been weakened by voters, they are in a better bargaining position given the ÖVP’s painful loss of power. If the designated new SPÖ party leader Sven Hergovich, 34, is elected, he will try to force as many concessions as possible from the ÖVP – in terms of content and personnel.

SPÖ will not make things easy for ÖVP
His first statements in conversation with the “Krone” indicate just that. When asked if he recognizes the ÖVP’s claim to leadership, there is no clear yes. “I am open to negotiations. I am not going to put my assets on the table and make concessions through the media.”

Everything is possible. The division of the departments in the nine-member government is voted on by a simple majority. The attractive and powerful branches are likely to be divided between the ÖVP and SPÖ, the three blue regional councilors will have to take what is left. The loss of power of the ÖVP in Lower Austria will also have consequences at the federal level, after all, the black heart provides not only the chancellor, but also the chairman of the National Council and the minister of the interior, the minister of defense and the secretary-general of the OVP. It remains to be seen whether the Lower Austrians will continue to be so dominant in the federal ÖVP in the future or whether other provincial organizations, such as the Styrian or Upper Austrian ones, will want to have a say again.

Personnel problems also at the FPÖ
The FPÖ must also ask itself personal questions. Instead of the SPÖ you may appoint the third chairman of the state parliament and you must send two new state councilors. Top candidate Udo Landbauer is considered established, whether Gottfried Waldhäusl stays or becomes chairman of the state parliament is still open. The young Sven Hergovich is a regular starter in the SPÖ, the former state councilor Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig has a good chance of staying.

According to the ÖVP’s plans, government negotiations will start after the semester break. Governor Mikl-Leitner wants to hold initial talks with all parties this week. SPÖ and Greens are already on Wednesday. After the energy week, subjects, dates and negotiating teams must be nominated and recorded.