Who will rule our country in the future? On Friday, incumbent Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) and SPÖ leader Andreas Babler met for the first exploratory talks. The Chancellor then revealed the key points that will be crucial for participating in government. Who can finish third in the competition remains an open question.
Nehammer was not exactly euphoric in his statement after the conversation with Babler. In any case, Austria needs “change and reforms” to meet the challenges of the future.
Overcoming major substantive differences
Does it work with the SPÖ? Either way, it will be a “long, bumpy road until we actually reach our goal,” he said, pointing to the substantive differences, which are likely quite far apart in some respects.
“You know my credo: there cannot and will not be business as usual,” Nehammer continued, immediately mentioning the key topics that will be central to the upcoming negotiations with potential partners.
Details can become the sticking point
He called them just like the SPÖ Location policy and competitiveness. This is about securing the jobs of the future, but also about creating new jobs. In the area Migration and integration The Chancellor’s point is that the measures taken so far are still far from sufficient. The aim is to stop immigration in the social system while maintaining access to the labor market in an orderly manner.
In addition, there are also the disciplines affordable living and housing as well as the challenges Health and care system crucial for a future coalition agreement.
Babler speaks of “a good atmosphere”
Babler’s analysis was not so different: “We do not want to continue as before, but we also do not want to go back to the past,” the SP chairman emphasized. And: “Nobody needs a government that argues and doesn’t solve problems.”
Overall, at his own press conference, he assessed the first round of exploratory talks with the ÖVP quite optimistically: “I am sure that the negotiations can lead to a government.” So the outcome is open.
Who will come third in the competition?
To secure the government accordingly, the ÖVP and SPÖ will likely need a third partner in the alliance. Because the FPÖ under Herbert Kickl is not a serious option for anyone, only NEOS or the Greens remain – Nehammer also wants to speak to them on Friday. However, the Chancellor remained tight-lipped about the question of who would actually be allowed to govern. In any case, he wants to continue to maintain dialogue with both parties.
The goal is to create a sustainable government, now we need to find appropriate solutions
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.
