ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS have been engaged in intensive and hard negotiations for weeks about a possible candy coalition. This in the middle of a real (economic) crisis. Quick solutions are needed from a government that can act – for a number of problems.
A turbulent year is coming to an end. Who governs in times of crisis? People are demanding solutions quickly. And this requires a government that can and is willing to act.
The Candy Coalition
Basis for everything else. The turquoise-red-pink candy is far from being packaged, let alone offered. A bitter aftertaste is already noticeable in the negotiations. It will remain difficult.
The delicate finances
Austria will have to save up to four billion annually in the coming years. Without a concrete plan there is a risk of EU sanctions. You hear from negotiating circles that there is rapprochement. A vulnerable plant has been planted. People are waiting for a flowering. Big dispute: property taxes. SPÖ leaders such as Peter Kaiser from Carinthia are pushing federal boss Andreas Babler’s demand for this. ÖVP and NEOS cannot do anything with it. They would rather strengthen the business location.
ÖVP Chancellor Karl Nehammer spoke on Christmas Eve about major challenges and a budget of 250 billion euros. Experts such as Franz Schellhorn from Agenda Austria lack the urgency given the tense situation: “The negotiators must finally get to work.”
The migration issue
How to deal with asylum and the consequences of the sometimes failed migration policy of recent years? A Europe-wide strategy is needed, experts and politicians say, such as asylum procedures at the EU’s external borders. According to surveys conducted by the IFDD on behalf of the “Krone”, this topic is one of the central themes. It is also one that has recently brought the FPÖ huge electoral success.
The educational concerns
Research increasingly shows that there is language loss. Especially in urban areas with a high share of migrants. There is a risk of dramatic socio-political consequences. A construction site that involves a lot of work for a government.
Structural reform needs
The NEOS are calling for drastic reforms for their participation in government. From subsidies to pensions. This – key word federalism and powerful SP and VP state leaders – is also a large part of the negotiations.
The big question
When will Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen swear in a government? Negotiators and experts expect an agreement of 70:30 percent by mid-January. How good the candy will taste remains to be seen. One thing is certain: if there is no sweetener, not only will the parties’ chief negotiators be ready, but Herbert Kickl, whose FPÖ vote is currently up to 40 percent, could hand over the key to the chancellery at Ballhausplatz.
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.
