In the ‘Krone’ interview, Tyrolean Governor Anton Mattle (VP) defends his strict rejection of a coalition between his party and the FPÖ. On Monday he traveled to Vienna for negotiations: “What matters to us is what is good for Tyrol!”
“Kron”: Mr. Governor, will you continue to stand by your no to the FPÖ at the federal level?
Anton Mattle: People expect honest statements. What I said before the elections also applies after the elections.
In justification, they said that FP boss Kickl had not yet said anything binding. Is that enough or is there something else we don’t know yet?
The people want there to be no more fighting in Vienna. Language is the instrument of politics: Herbert Kickl works rhetorically with a sledgehammer. Karl Nehammer is doing everything he can to repair these cracks in society. The People’s Party wants to improve the EU so that Austria benefits from this. The People’s Party wants to maintain neutrality by monitoring our airspace. The People’s Party wants to keep an eye on terrorists to detect them at an early stage and specifically bring well-trained people to Austria so that the healthcare system works, the economy grows and prosperity continues. Unfortunately, the FPÖ is working against this.
On Sunday, Kickl said his hand had been extended to all parties. Isn’t that a unifying gesture?
For the FPÖ it is a strategic necessity because it does not have a majority and needs partners to govern.
What does the state party leadership say on this issue?
What matters to us is what is good for Tyrol. These are stable conditions, social peace and economic success. There is a need for unconditional support in the field of transit, a pro-European policy with a view to South Tyrol and performance incentives. After the meeting of the state party executive committee, I will get on a plane and represent these positions in Vienna.
It can be assumed that not everyone in the ÖVP has the same opinion about this. The ÖVP still shows unity, but for how long?
Karl Nehammer took over the party with 20% and stopped the downward trend. His catching up is widely recognized, even if it was not enough for first place.
What do you think were the reasons for the ÖVP’s mediocre performance in the heart of Tyrol?
Together with Salzburg, we are the best state for the People’s Party. The federal party stands at 26%. We as a Tyrolean party stand at 31%. The West is very different from the East, but we are not satisfied with that. The federal trend has become clear to us. We will discuss the reasons at the Federal Party Executive Committee in Vienna.
Do you see that the Tyrolean state government is under pressure as a result of the election results?
The National Council election evaluates the work of the National Council and the federal government. But every election is a mood test. One thing is clear: people don’t want to argue. The state government will therefore not argue publicly, as happened with the federal government.
Will they possibly lose their red vice president if black-red-pink comes to Vienna?
Georg Dornauer enjoys working with the Tyroleans as much as I do.
When should a coalition be formed at federal level?
The next government must deliver results. It is important not to waste time here.
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.
