After four state elections and some friction, the government wants to move into calmer waters. The question is whether a real restart will succeed.
The turquoise-green government has had a turbulent few months. Four state elections have been held since September 2022, with the ÖVP – with one exception – suffering heavy losses. This has sometimes led to more friction at the federal level. The ÖVP is increasingly focusing on its clientele and is blocking projects with the Green coalition partner. Of course, the Greens did not just accept this and also set accents. Recently Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens) called for inheritance tax – a red flag for the ÖVP. Now that the die has been cast in Salzburg and the signs are black and blue, the two coalition parties will try to return to calmer waters.
When it comes to shelter and cars, friction will continue
Neither the government partners themselves nor experts believe that a real restart will succeed. But the ÖVP and the Greens still want to implement a number of things before the end of their term of office. At the top of the list are fighting inflation and healthcare reform. The latter will be negotiated with the Länder in the context of the new fiscal equalization. “Here we fully support Health Minister Rauch,” says a VP insider. “But we all know there will continue to be friction with asylum and cars.”
The election campaign has long since begun
“I do not believe in a restart. The election date (autumn 2024) is getting too close for that. No one can be naive. The election campaign has already started,” political adviser Thomas Hofer analyzed in an interview with “Krone”. However, it will be necessary to to move some projects forward Frictionless topics such as the Corona cleanup that has now started and the voluntary work package of measures presented on Wednesday are particularly suitable for this.
Government must take action against inflation
The government is under particular pressure to fight inflation. “There will certainly be further measures here,” said government circles. Two energy bills currently blocked in parliament hope they will be implemented. Something has to be done here, otherwise the EU will have to pay fines.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
