As of Wednesday, the former turquoise green federal government is only an ‘interim federal government’ and without a vice chancellor. This function is not intended. But the chancellor remains chancellor. The constitution does not provide for a period without a head of government. The interim government has no expiration date.
Theoretically, the government could continue this way for years to come. In terms of realpolitik, this is of course not possible because she does not have a majority in the National Council and can be removed by it at any time.
Lived practice
However, the government is not legally bound to the National Council. She did not have to offer her resignation to Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, but that is customary after every election.
The government retains its powers
The members of the government retain their powers, but it is customary that they no longer make political decisions out of respect for their successors, but only manage affairs, as former Federal President Heinz Fischer recently emphasized in the “Krone”. The members of the government still have work to do every day. They have to go to meetings in Brussels, they have to sign files and take care of other official matters.
Kogler receives ‘only’ 19,000 euros gross per month
The only thing that changes is the loss of a vice chancellor. This position is not provided for in the interim federal government. Werner Kogler is no longer a minister and is paid accordingly less: 19,000 instead of 21,000 euros gross per month. If necessary, Chancellor Karl Nehammer will be represented by the longest-serving minister, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.
The specter of new elections
The “interim federal government” model only exists because it should be clear that there will never be a time without a federal government, advocates explain. The constitution does not allow these positions to be vacant. Constitutional lawyer Bernd Christian Funk believes that the Federal President has almost exhausted his previous options. Theoretically, he could fire the chancellor or the government, but not individual ministers. He may only do this on the recommendation of the Chancellor. He couldn’t stop the negotiations that were taking forever. Only Parliament itself could make the specter of new elections that is already looming a reality. That would probably only help Herbert Kickl and his FPÖ.
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.
