ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS: Finally on the way to government formation!

ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS: Finally on the way to government formation!

In Austria, the signs are on a new government: the conservative ÖVP, the Social Democratic SPÖ and the liberal Neos have approached after intensive negotiations and want to rule together. This was announced by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen after a meeting with the party leaders on Saturday in the Vienna Hofburg. Van der Bellen reported on progress and an increased willingness to compromise of all parties. "It is essential to find solutions to the state's gunge," he said.

ÖVP boss Christian Stocker expressed himself optimistically about the early finalization of the government program, while SPÖ boss Andreas Babler emphasized that the interests of the state were to be put about party incidents. This coalition, which was referred to as the "Sugar Coalition", would be the first of its kind at the federal level. Babler pointed out the difficult geopolitical situation and the need to strengthen internal security, especially after recent incidents. Neos boss Beate Meinl-Reisinger also pointed out that many questions were still open, but signaled confidence for the conversations.

important topics in the focus

In the coming days, education should be the focus of the negotiations. Meinl-Reisinger emphasized that everyone involved would work hard to find a sustainable compromise. A member vote is planned on Sunday, March 2. The surprising new beginning of the talks after the failed first attempt in January comes in a political climate in which the FPÖ became the strongest parliamentary group, while the ÖVP and SPÖ cannot achieve a narrow majority alone.

The FPÖ has reacted to the new negotiations with sharp criticism and accuses the ÖVP of having had secret discussions with SPÖ and Neos before the election. In the meantime, the green party leader Werner Kogler is optimistic and welcomes the possible new coalition, since it could first defuse a danger from a right -wing extremist Chancellor, such as Welt reported.

All of these developments are crucial in a country that has experienced political turbulence in recent years, and the upcoming decisions could change the political landscape in Austria.