Coalition negotiations will continue at a new pace in the new year. The meeting of party leaders on Thursday will be followed by a new appointment at the highest level around Epiphany. If Chancellor Karl Nehammer has his way, the preliminary decision for the Zuckerl coalition will already be made.
95 days have passed since the elections and 77 days since Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen ordered ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer to form a government. Since then, only an axis of powerful decision-makers has been formed within the ÖVP, the SPÖ and the NEOS, who want to govern together. The first three-party coalition of the Second Republic is still a long time coming.
“Quick breakthrough possible”
As the “Krone” learned, the first meeting of the three party leaders Karl Nehammer, Andreas Babler and Beate Meinl-Reisinger in the new year on Thursday is expected to bring a new dynamic. The Chancellor’s party in particular has both feet on the accelerator in the negotiations about the candy coalition. An agreement must and can be reached no later than before the elections in Burgenland on January 19, but preferably this week.
“A quick breakthrough seems possible,” we hear from well-informed circles.
One thing is certain: around Epiphany, the exact date will be agreed on Thursday during the meeting, the party leaders want to meet again and – according to the Chancellor – already announce a fundamental agreement.
Pink obstacles
For this to work, substantive and organizational obstacles must first be overcome. With an ailing state budget, for example, lighthouse projects must be planned that can score political points and still make actual savings. In the event of an agreement, NEOS would – as reported – have to have the pact adopted by a two-thirds majority of its members.
In the new year, the FPÖ will continue where it left off and call on Nehammer to resign.
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.
