Markus Wallner, Austria’s longest-serving governor, was sworn in for the fourth time on Monday. The Vorarlberger does not mince his words about the current coalition negotiations between his People’s Party and the SPÖ at federal level. On the contrary: the 57-year-old is concerned about the republic and clearly expresses this in the ‘Crowns’ conversation.
In the state of Vorarlberg, the elections took place two weeks after the National Council, but after turbo negotiations, the coalition between Wallner’s ÖVP and the Freedom Party has been present in the state since last week.
On Monday, Wallner was sworn in at the Hofburg – by Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) on behalf of the recovering Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen.
No understanding of sleeper car research
What does the express train negotiator say about the federal government’s exploration of sleeper cars? In the ‘Krone’ conversation he shows no understanding at all: ‘The pressure and the pace must now be dramatically increased at the latest.’ He did not like the news about the Viennese negotiators’ autumn holidays. And not that probes are only carried out every other day. This must be done every day. In Vorarlberg they negotiated for 21 days and then they were done.
“The economy warns us every day!”
Wallner also doubts “whether you can hear the alarm bells”. There is a fire on the roof: “The economy warns us every day!” The state’s governor is concerned about business location and the state budget. “We must curb government spending!”
Climate bonus and Co.: Where Wallner sees savings potential
And where should savings be made? Wallner lists a whole series: the government workforce must be reduced, educational leave must not continue in its current form and all support structures must be scrutinized. Wallner demands: “The climate bonus must be abolished without replacement.”
And: “You also have to look at pensions, especially making the corridor pensions less attractive.” The ÖVP politician calls for “courageous steps” in social policy. “The long stay in our social system must finally be stopped.”
Doubts about Babler
But does he think this would even be possible with the SPÖ as a coalition partner? Wallner weighs his head before saying: “Possibly with the Babler-SPÖ? I have my doubts. Less work, more taxes – that is not possible.” But there is simply “no alternative” to drastic measures in this area.
Will we even have new elections?
Can one still be optimistic about the emergence of an ÖVP-SPÖ coalition in the federal government? Or might we even be confronted with new elections in the near future? Wallner: “At this point it is impossible to say how the negotiations will proceed. If it’s a weak package and only the lowest common denominator remains, it won’t work. Let’s look at Germany!”
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.
