SPÖ leader Andreas Babler wanted to become vice-chancellor in the Zuckerl coalition, but now has to convince the red ranks to work in the opposition. Who from the ÖVP wanted to save the pact with the Reds until the end and which topics he mainly wants to focus on in his new role.
From Vice-Chancellor, who was thought to be safe, to soon to be Opposition Leader. And from red Andi to Black Peter. SPÖ leader Andreas Babler has had turbulent days. The NEOS accused him of ‘Babler blockades’ and choleric negotiations. ÖVP club president August Wöginger even blamed the SPÖ leader for paving the way for Herbert Kickl as chancellor. In an interview with “Krone,” Babler recalls all this and more.
Strong advocates of sweets
The opposite was the case. Even after NEOS left, he still calmly tried to find a common path with the constructive forces in the ÖVP. He also counts two powerful governors of the ÖVP state, Wilfried Haslauer and Anton Mattle, among these forces. Both would have tried to the end to save the rest of the candy coalition, even though they were not – in vain – at the negotiating table.
Instead of vice-chancellor, Babler will soon become head of the opposition. A role he did not want, but which he happily accepts. “The club sees it exactly that way and would like to keep an eye on Blue-Black,” said Babler. As club chairman, he wants to become a controlling body in parliament. Babler sees a need, especially when it comes to the issues of inflation and health.
The Social Democrats did not want to go along with the cuts of up to 20 percent in health care proposed by the ÖVP and NEOS. This would amount to the closure of every fifth hospital in Austria. ÖVP and NEOS firmly reject this.
Focus on opposition work
According to the SPÖ leader, there will be no joint offer with the Greens to the ÖVP. Simply because there is no chance of success. “The Greens would have been a possible third partner, but the ÖVP made it clear to us that they would never get through it internally,” says the SPÖ leader. Internally, there is no personnel discussion, but rather the emphasis is on the upcoming work of the opposition.
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.
