In front of the Christmas tree, which this year is traditionally decorated with gingerbread, apples and straw stars, the Federal President talks about his favorite headline: the new government and Christmas.
The brand new ‘Krone’ main book is full of topics that moved the country this year. Politics in particular made many headlines in the domestic media in 2024. And what would be the Federal President’s favorite cup in the new year? The head of state optimistic: “This is how we tackled the crisis together!”
During the conversation in the Hall of Mirrors in front of the painting of Maria Theresa, where the new government will also be sworn in, Alexander Van der Bellen appears to be in top form after his recent disc surgery. Going for a walk with “First dog” Juli is going again, he laughs.
The Federal President will not be forced into haste
Back to politics again. The Federal President cannot be urged to haste by calls from outside – there is sometimes open and quite serious criticism from the governors of the ÖVP states – at least not. A few days ago he expected “it would be sometime in January.”
But does he now believe that ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS will together form a three-party coalition and that we will soon have a new government? Van der Bellen is clear: “Yes, I have every confidence in that. From my numerous conversations, I know that those responsible are aware of their great task and are working to make progress in the country.”
In the next room, the festively decorated Nordmann fir, this time from Sieggraben in Burgenland, shines. Coincidentally, this is also where the nativity scene comes from, which has always stood in front of the Christmas tree in the Hofburg for more than 20 years since his predecessor Thomas Klestil.
And how does the Federal President himself spend the holidays? This time in his second official residence, the hunting lodge in Mürzsteg, Styria. Van der Bellen: “We celebrate Christmas at home with the family. Traditionally, we always have a cold plate.” If the rumored schedule goes according to the rumored schedule, the Federal President will re-enter the Hall of Mirrors through the famous papered door after the holidays in the New Year – to swear in the new government…
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.
