The death of Austria’s first female Chancellor, Brigitte Bierlein, recalled the great satisfaction at the time with the government of experts. A successful model that could be used again in the hot autumn after the elections for the National Council.
If predictions for the National Council elections hold, the FPÖ could take the lead on election night September 29, a party with which no one wants to form a coalition. It will probably take several months before a coalition is formed that can achieve a majority. “Experts could play a role again,” said former Federal President Heinz Fischer in the “Krone” podcast “Super Election Year.”
In October time is running out
In the autumn, some decisions have to be made that entail a certain amount of time pressure. “A draft budget must be presented in October and the decision on the EU commissioner is also delayed. Time is running out. “You can also think about involving experts,” says Heinz Fischer. His ulterior motive: with a government involving experts and all parties, it would be easier to find majorities.
For example, to appoint the EU Commissioner, a majority in Parliament’s main committee is required. It is quite possible that agreement on the President of the Commission in Brussels will take longer and that the new Commission will not be formed until the autumn.
As a transitional government, the Greens and the ÖVP will no longer have a mandate majority once the new National Council is constituted – which must be the case no later than thirty days after the elections. Finding majorities in parliament in this constellation will be a complex matter.
The last time the situation was this screwed up was in 2006
The last time there was such a confusing situation was in 2006, when the ÖVP and BZÖ did not have a majority during the government negotiations. If Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen realizes that only the blockade dominates daily political life, he could pull this card and install an expert short-term government to keep emotions on the political floor to a minimum. The constitution gives the federal president this power.
However, we hear from the Hofburg that Van der Bellen will do everything he can to quickly gain a majority that can govern.
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.
