Karl Nehammer in the first “Krone” interview after the National Council elections: He speaks of a “rollercoaster of emotions”. But he insists: it is not possible to form a coalition with a conspiracy theorist.
“Krone”: Mr. Nehammer, which feeling prevails now: disappointment over the biggest loss in the party’s history or joy that the ÖVP has done better than the survey predicted?
Karl Nehammer: It’s disappointing that we didn’t get first place. Nevertheless, the ÖVP is stronger than many thought. Let me remind you that I took over the party with 21 percent. In April we were at 19 percent – now 26. We will look very closely at where and why there was more voting for the FPÖ.
Was dismissal an issue on election night?
No. Because there were times in the last three years when we were predicted to be insignificant and we were below 20 percent in the polls. The ÖVP now stands at 26 percent. It’s a roller coaster of emotions: joy and disappointment at the same time.
The state governors also support Karl Nehammer?
Yes. And also the associations and sub-organizations.
They aim for a coalition of three parties. That is a certain risk. If this coalition fails, the FPÖ will gain even more…
I stand by the word I gave to the voters. It is not possible to form a coalition with a conspiracy theorist.
These will be long coalition negotiations…
I need partners who negotiate constructively. The voters’ mandate is to negotiate intensively. The negotiations must also take seriously the issues and concerns of Liberal voters. We must learn lessons from this.
What happens if the SPÖ decides that it wants to go into opposition?
That is your responsibility then…
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.
