On Tuesday, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen instructed ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer to form a government. He also asked him to immediately start negotiations with the SPÖ. You can see the full statement in the video here!
The most important quotes about the government mandate to Karl Nehammer (ÖVP):
“The National Council election is not a race in which the person in first place automatically rules.” Van der Bellen on Herbert Kickl’s claim to the chancellorship.
“Anyone who cannot reach the 50 percent threshold alone needs a partner to govern. These partners must want and trust each other.” The Federal President explains how to form a coalition.
“No one can claim the whole nation for himself. Nobody.” – A swipe at the terms that right-wing populists often use.
“Until now, it has traditionally been the case that the Federal President gave the order to form a government to the party with the largest number of votes. But I didn’t do that this time because no one wants to work with the party with the highest number of votes.” Van der Bellen explains why Herbert Kickl was not given the task of forming a government.
“I told him personally this morning and also asked him to immediately start negotiations with the Social Democratic Party of Austria.” Instead, Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) will start negotiations. And the Federal President apparently has a preference.
“I rely on a sense of proportion and responsibility.” a final warning from the head of state.
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.
