The coming political change will bring enormous color shifts. After countless countries, the federal government is now colored deep blue, while Sebastian Kurz’s turquoise is becoming increasingly paler. At least seven ministers are leaving the ÖVP government team.
The departure of Magnus Brunner and Martin Kocher has been known for some time. The former Finance Minister has become EU Commissioner and the current Minister of Economic Affairs will become Governor of the Austrian National Bank in September.
Four ÖVP ministers have a chance to stay
The fact that Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler will not continue under Chancellor Herbert Kickl is not new, but her future job as governor of Salzburg is surprising. On the ÖVP side, ministers Alexander Schallenberg (foreign affairs), Susanne Raab (women and integration) and Martin Polaschek (education) are also leaving.
Raab takes over the leadership of the migration agency ICMP from former ÖVP boss Michael Spindelegger, Polaschek has the right to return to the University of Graz, but no longer as rector. Schallenberg’s future is still open.
In the ÖVP the positions are becoming smaller and smaller
Klaudia Tanner (defense), Claudia Plakolm (youth) and Norbert Totschnig (agriculture) have good prospects of staying in government. Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner also wants to continue. Designated party leader Christian Stocker will be added as vice chancellor.
The newcomer from Upper Austria, Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, would also have a certain chance of becoming a minister. A possible candidate for a foreign position is Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, diplomat and government spokesman for Turquoise Blue.
FPÖ can fill at least seven ministerial positions
The blues is on the rise. They are expected to form at least seven members of the government. In addition to Chancellor Herbert Kickl, the two party secretaries Christian Hafenecker and Michael Schnedlitz and Kickl’s deputies Susanne Fürst and Dagmar Belakowitsch are being discussed for ministerial posts.
The financial expert and former ÖBB board member Arnold Schiefer is considered a permanent starter. Also mentioned are former club director and neo-mandator Norbert Nemeth, and FPÖ economic expert Barbara Kolm. Barbara Kolm and Kickl’s chief strategist Reinhard Teufel. The latter could move from the Lower Austrian state parliament to Ballhausplatz as chief of cabinet or minister of the chancellery.
Nehammer does not accept the mandate of the National Council
Of the ÖVP ministers who leave immediately, none will ultimately become members of the National Council. Schallenberg didn’t run, everyone else has other jobs. Nehammer will resign his mandate. He is not entitled to the usual six-monthly salary payment because he has a mandate.
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.
