Upper Austrian ÖVP Governor Thomas Stelzer cannot share Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen’s calm about the current coalition negotiations. He wants to ‘see tangible things’.
Thomas Stelzer, the governor of the Upper Austrian ÖVP state, is not known for his loud noises. It is all the more remarkable how violently he is now reacting to the slowness in the formation of the Zuckerl coalition, as expressed in the Federal President’s “Gassi interview”.
Harsh criticism of (non-)tempo
As is known, Alexander Van der Bellen said during a dog walk in front of the Hofburg about progress in government formation that he expected negotiations to be concluded “sometime in January” and added: “That would be normal.”
Stelzer does not think this (non-)pace is ‘normal’ given the current challenges in Austria. The senior ÖVP politician says he “doesn’t have the impression that anything is going on.” He sees “there are still ideological exchanges” and says bluntly: “Now is not the time for games!”
Waving the blue pole?
The governor regrets that “the social partners, these great connectors, have withdrawn from the negotiating table”. The state finances are seriously out of balance, the economy is collapsing – Stelzer has had painful experiences with the demise of KTM in his state. Now we need to “finally see something tangible,” such as investment incentives for companies and relief for workers.
The Upper Austrian does not want to put his party on the defensive when he says: “I really hope that people do not think that the ÖVP has given up all other options and is showing off.” hint with the blue pole?
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.
