Political explosion: ÖVP and FPÖ in front of a dangerous coalition!

After the coalition talks failed with the SPÖ and the NEOS, the ÖVP joins the FPÖ in official negotiations, as was announced by the party on Thursday. The talks initially focus on clarifying the budgetary framework in order to avert an impending EU deficit procedure. FPÖ boss Herbert Kickl emphasizes the need to negotiate on a solid financial foundation from the start. "The population has the right to predictability, reliability and clarity," said Kickl. These negotiations are the first step towards a possible cooperation that resulted from the last election of the National Council, in which the FPÖ emerged as the strongest party, as the courier reported.

division of the ÖVP and potential developments

The mood within the ÖVP is tense. Party colleague Mr. Fischler expresses concerns about the possible dominance of the FPÖ in a future government under the leadership of Kickl. According to Fischler, the ÖVP has failed to create alternatives in the past, which makes the current political situation difficult. He warns that the formation of a blue and black coalition of Austria could transform into an illiberal democracy, similar to the Victor Orbáns model in Hungary. This concern could further deepen the internal division of the ÖVP, which would worst would weaken the entire party, such as explained.

A constant budget negotiation group has been set up for the coming days, consisting of representatives of both parties to clarify the financial framework until the beginning of next week. At the same time, the managing ÖVP chairman Christian Stocker, also compared to external influences, underpins the importance of sovereignty and the rule of law for Austria. Critics, including the writer Michael Köhlmeier, refer to the situation around the coalition negotiations as questionable and see a serious threat to the democratic processes in Austria, as from Kurier reported.