The cooperation between the ÖVP and FPÖ in Upper Austria is seen by many as a model for a coalition between the two at federal level. Local party leaders also tend towards this variant. However, ideas about how and with which people this could be achieved differ widely.
In her role as federal chairwoman of the Young ÖVP (JVP), Claudia Plakolm is currently touring the federal states; the Mühlviertler stopped in her home country on Tuesday. The word of the State Secretary for Youth carries weight in the federal ÖVP, after all, she is in second place on the list for the elections to the National Council.
Also in Lower Austria and Salzburg
So when she praises the “factual, pragmatic politics” of the black-blue coalition in Upper Austria in an interview with the “Krone”, this can certainly be understood as the intention that she and the ÖVP would also prefer this constellation in the federal government. Black and blue in Upper Austria was also a “role model for other states” (Lower Austria and Salzburg).
Kickl “real danger to our country”
But – and this is not just her line, it has been the official ÖVP line for months: with Herbert Kickl at the helm, there will be no cooperation with the FPÖ, she repeats. After all, Kickl represents a “real danger to our country”.
ÖVP as only possible FPÖ partner
Manfred Haimbuchner is Kickl’s deputy as federal party leader of the FPÖ, and his word also carries weight in the party. He told the APA on Wednesday that the ÖVP was the only possible coalition partner after the National Council elections because of the substantive overlap.
Who should the ÖVP form a coalition with?
Now it is important to win the elections. And when it comes to the direct question of Chancellor, Nehammer is far ahead of Kickl.
Only under Chancellor Kickl
So everything is ready for black and blue? Not at all. Because, says Haimbuchner: “Our goal, my goal, is an FPÖ-ÖVP coalition with a liberal chancellor.” And that could only be called Herbert Kickl. “If the FPÖ does not become the strongest party, there will be no coalition.” It will be interesting to see.
The conditions that the ÖVP and FPÖ set for each other make black-blue or blue-black de facto impossible. So will there be a three-party coalition – without ÖVP or without FPÖ? Not necessarily. Because what is said before the elections is not always true afterwards. In Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP) forged a coalition with Udo Landbauer (FPÖ). He had previously branded her a ‘Muslim mother’ and excluded her from working with him. In Salzburg, the situation was similar. So who knows how credible the statements of the ÖVP and FPÖ are now?
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.
