In the “Krone” interview (see video above), Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) talks about the possible candy coalition, about the successes of the FPÖ, about cutting back on brakes and an austerity package that “is not the solution to all problems”.
“Kron”: You spoke with Donald Trump on the phone on Tuesday evening: the main topic was a possible peace in Ukraine. Trump was interested in your visit to Putin.
Karl Nehammer: Precisely. Donald Trump was interested in assessing the situation and the possible chances for peace. I offered Vienna as a location for peace negotiations and invited him.
Will he come?
That would be desirable. He also has a connection with Austria through his mother-in-law.
Should Styria have an FPÖ state governor?
I have a good tradition of not giving federal states advice. The people involved can assess who you can work with and who you cannot.
In the first statement, Styrian Governor Christopher Drexler said that Alexander Van der Bellen had made him a pawn with the FPÖ’s non-governmental mandate and that you also shared responsibility for this election defeat.
Election Sundays are generally quite emotional. The governor made a very clear explanation and emphasized his responsibility.
Did you expect this crushing victory for the FPÖ? Not me.
To me it is proof that we need to address people’s fears and concerns much more clearly and make them visible.
What does that mean in concrete terms? They say that things will not go on as before: how should things go on?
When it comes to the issue of the location of companies, security, the fight against illegal migration and integration, we must take measures that are actually visible and noticeable. Above all, actions must be made clearer and more visible. We need to make work more attractive by abolishing taxes on overtime. It’s about easing revenue. We need new framework conditions that encourage companies to invest again. Faster deportations will also be an issue: we are working to ensure that deportations can also take place to Syria and Afghanistan.
They estimate the chances of the three-party coalition at 50:50. Do you also have a plan B?
No. First of all, there is only the plan that the government negotiations will be brought to a successful conclusion.
There must be a savings package that you have recently excluded. Will there be measures on the income side?
We must be frugal. But an austerity package is not the solution to all problems, including new taxes. To meet the budget challenge, we need a spending brake. We need to use resources more efficiently. In any case, there are a lot of measures that need to be taken before I even think about new income.
So you don’t rule out that there will be more taxes?
Four billion is missing from the budget. We are within budget with our expenses. The turnover situation developed differently than expected due to low growth and incorrect forecasts. We need to stimulate domestic demand and create a better economic environment.
At the risk of annoying you, could there be a temporary tax or tax increase as part of the budget restructuring?
My opinion on new taxes is clear and can be read many times. The current question is: where can we slow down spending so that people are not faced with new burdens?
What will be the shared story of this new coalition?
It has the opportunity to become a government of reform, change and awakening, carried from the center.
The center coalition…
It is certainly a coalition of the center, the majority and reason.
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.
