A timetable for the party talks has now been set: the SPÖ and ÖVP as well as the ÖVP and FPÖ will talk to each other on Tuesday afternoon. On Thursday there will be a conversation between the PVV and the social democrats – who are once again busy with themselves…
Following Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen’s order to the FPÖ, ÖVP and SPÖ, possibilities for cooperation are being explored. However, it seems unrealistic that an agreement will be reached. The trenches are too deep now.
The SPÖ and ÖVP each announced the dates in a short statement on Friday evening. The talks would be held in accordance with the instructions or wishes of the Federal President and the results would then be communicated to him, it said.
Nobody wants to work with Kickl
Because a “stalemate” between the FPÖ, ÖVP and SPÖ prevented the usual process of coalition building after the National Council elections, Van der Bellen had initially not tasked any party to form a government. Instead, the three parties with the most votes should “reliably make clear what cooperation is conceivable” by the end of next week.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP), who does not want to form a coalition with the FPÖ under party leader Herbert Kickl, generally confirmed on Thursday that he will keep the promises he made before the elections. Not only does Nehammer not want to form a coalition with Kickl, the SPÖ has also completely ruled out cooperation with the PVV.
But the Social Democrats could govern together with the ÖVP. However, due to the razor-thin majority that these two factions have in the National Council, the participation of a third party would be beneficial. This would have consequences for the NEOS and the Greens, who will not participate in future – at least official – talks.
Unrest within the SPÖ
Meanwhile, SPÖ chairman Andreas Babler was already confronted with advice from his own party. Styrian state party leader Anton Lang, who is about to hold elections in his own state, advocated joining the opposition. “If you superimpose the party programs of the ÖVP and SPÖ, major differences arise. “Normally the smaller partner is less assertive than the larger one,” he said in the Kleine Zeitung.
Lang also criticized his federal party leader in terms of content. His approach to wealth and inheritance tax was “completely wrong”. The right topics were chosen, but these were not communicated properly.
“And if you now give up all this by participating in the government, then you have not driven a pint. Then it would be smarter if the SPÖ remained in opposition. Otherwise we will only be credible on Sinterklaas Day.” The candidacy for party leadership by PR consultant Rudi Fußi, who describes the party as being in a “miserable” state, is also causing additional unrest. He accuses Babler of “overestimating himself ”.
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.
