“Irresponsible” – Drexler sharply criticizes Van der Bellen

After the black-green coalition, the ‘candy coalition’ should now govern Austria. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen’s decision to entrust Chancellor Karl Nehammer with the formation of a government is causing a stir in Styria.

“Totally wrong”
It is not surprising that Styria will elect a new state parliament on November 24. Atypically sharp words were therefore sent from Graz Castle to the Vienna Hofburg: “I think it is completely wrong that the Federal President does not give the representative of the party with the highest number of votes a mandate to form a government. It is actually irresponsible to so quickly relieve Herbert Kickl of his responsibility and put him in the role of martyr and sulk,” complains state governor Christopher Drexler (ÖVP).

He points out that the Styrian Constitution clearly states that the party with the highest number of votes invites people to negotiate the formation of a government after state elections.

Drexler’s deputy and SPÖ chairman Anton Lang sees it the same way: “Democratic responsibility also includes finding majorities. The FPÖ cannot be relieved of this responsibility. I am fundamentally in favor of the party with the highest number of votes being given the task of forming a government, because that is of course the will of the voters.”

Only the Neos thank you
FPÖ leader Mario Kunasek also finds clear words, even though he secretly laughs up his sleeve. “Imagine if a liberal federal president had acted in such a way, against the will of the people. In any case, a coalition of losers should not be a role model for Styria.”

Only the Styrian Neos expressly thank VdB for the decision – they are available for serious exploratory discussions.