Government poker: ÖVP and FPÖ in a dispute over ministerial positions!

Government poker: ÖVP and FPÖ in a dispute over ministerial positions!

The negotiations between the FPÖ and the ÖVP over the formation of a new government are facing a crucial turning point. After FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl reaffirmed his claim to the interior and finance ministries on Facebook last week, the ÖVP was visibly surprised by this move crown reported. Despite a unanimous appeal to the FPÖ to act constructively and honestly in the talks, the discussion about the division of departments seems to be putting a lot of strain on the negotiations. Kickl's approach has pushed the ÖVP into a defensive position, as the negotiations are being overshadowed by uncertainty over ministerial posts after the tense climate of the last few days.

Complex negotiations and tensions

The negotiations, which are now divided into 13 thematic subgroups, aim to develop a common government program. Topics range from domestic security to taxation to infrastructure, with a total of around 130 negotiators involved, suggesting complex and challenging negotiating dynamics. Loud Today Initial discussions have already taken place, focusing on infrastructure, traffic and internal security. This shows that both the FPÖ and ÖVP have similar ideas about improving the transport infrastructure.

The discussions have also brought into focus a tougher approach to asylum policy, with both parties appearing to agree on introducing stricter requirements for asylum seekers. Kickl and his team are calling for, among other things, mandatory German courses and longer deadlines for entitlement to social benefits. This could lead to a far-reaching change in Austria's asylum policy and further complicate the already tense situation between the two parties. Whether the proposed intergovernmental agreement will become a reality remains to be seen, as both sides prepare to resolve the contentious issues in several rounds of talks.