On Tuesday, after a conversation with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, Chancellor and ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer publicly commented on the government formation talks – and clearly rejected a coalition with the FPÖ under Kickl.
Based on the election results, the Federal President asked that the three parties with the most votes hold talks. “I have not changed my assessment of Herbert Kickl, even after the elections. But I would like to say that this is not about sympathies – whether we like each other or not,” the Chancellor said.
“Kickl is not ready to take responsibility”
However, Kickl is not prepared to actually take responsibility, as has been shown by the Corona crisis, among other things. On the contrary, he “never contributed to taking responsibility,” but instead resorted to scaremongering, the ÖVP leader explained.
Nor does he share Herbert Kickl’s understanding of democracy. “Finding compromises is the core of democracy. Especially when it comes to forming a government.” Kickl’s dealings with the Office for the Protection of the Constitution during his time as Minister of the Interior also endangered Austria’s security interests. The latest evidence that Herbert Kickl refused to stand up for Austria’s security was his rejection of the Skyshield missile defense shield – under the pretext of neutrality.
Nehammer wants to “take FPÖ voters just as seriously”
Yet FPÖ voters are also taken seriously, says Nehammer. Especially when it comes to the need for security – keyword: need for integration – but they do not want to do that “in a climate of fear”. “And that is NOT what Herbert Kickl stands for.” Kickl sympathizes with the Identitarians, whom Nehammer clearly described as ‘right-wing extremists’.
Under no circumstances would he act as a ‘stirrup holder’ for Kickl, Nehammer emphasized. Because it should also be noted that a large part of the people did not vote for the FPÖ. His starting point is: “After the elections I will stick to what I said before the elections.”
No rejection from the FPÖ, only from Kickl
Nevertheless, this is neither a rejection of the FPÖ nor of all other parties. The conversation with the SPÖ will take place as planned. Everything else will become clear, the Chancellor concluded his statement. On Wednesday, Nehammer will meet SPÖ leader Andreas Babler, whose party came third in the National Council elections.
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.
