Become a lawyer – Karoline Edtstadler leaves top politics

No one expected this at this point: Edtstadler (ÖVP) will no longer be available for the next government. The European minister is willing to be available to Chancellor Nehammer as a member of the ÖVP negotiating team for the coalition talks with the SPÖ and NEOS. But after that, Edtstadler will put an end to top politics for the time being. The lawyer remains a member of parliament and sets up a law firm in Salzburg. Edtstadler confirmed her decision, which was motivated by personal and political reasons, to the “Krone” on Saturday.

First ‘Kickl supervisor’, then minister
Edtstadler’s political career in key words: Sebastian Kurz brought him to the Ministry of the Interior in 2017 as State Secretary and Kickl Supervisor. She subsequently served as a member of the European Parliament for two years. From 2020 onwards, Minister of the Chancellery and, a little later, Minister of Europe and the Constitution.

Tensions between the minister and the Chancellor’s confidants
Even before the National Council elections, Edtstadler – like Magnus Brunner, who was promised to become EU commissioner in Brussels – was considered a possible successor to Chancellor Nehammer. This would have repeatedly led to tensions between confidants of the head of government and the minister. Especially because Edtstadler has a reputation for being loyal, but also very ambitious.

Weeks ago it was said that if she is not an EU commissioner, she could at least become second president of the National Council. Rumors recently circulated that Edtstadler would become Minister of Justice. The 43-year-old had already considered pursuing a different career at the end of September.

“Order” from Salzburg for the election of the National Council
“I see the strong result in the elections for the National Council that I received in Salzburg as a mandate to represent the interests of my federal state with full commitment as a member of the National Council for the next five years,” confirms the European Minister at the “Kron”. It was clear to her years ago that she needed complete economic independence. This is “hugely important, especially for politicians, to be able to make decisions more freely.”

Some in the ÖVP will react with relief to the news that Karoline Edtstadler will not seek a position in the next government. When the strong leave the field, the weak have a clear path. In practice, Edtstadler’s premature relinquishment of a ministerial post means the almost complete disintegration of the ÖVP government team.

Chancellor Karl Nehammer was born in Vienna, but under the heavy hand of Johanna Mikl-Leitner he became a politically forced Lower Austrian. The only confidants Nehammer has left are the famous Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner from Texing in Lower Austria and the always funny Minister of Defense Klaudia Tanner from Scheibbs, who Nehammer had to take over from the Lower Austrian Farmers’ Association. Susanne Raab may also continue as Minister for Leading Culture. Raab comes from Upper Austria, but has long since adapted to the customs of Lower Austria.

With so much fame and familiarity, Nehammer will be spared several feuds in his team in the future. Of course, it is unlikely that new thoughts, intellectual contradictions, and new governance will arise among these people.

The fact that Edtstadler does not even want to be a member of the next government should also give the Chancellor serious food for thought. Patience isn’t exactly considered Edtstadler’s greatest strength. Apparently she can wait this time.