Sugar coalition: Will Nehammer form a government in good time?

Sugar coalition: Will Nehammer form a government in good time?

Ballhausplatz, 1010 Wien, Österreich - Government formation in Austria faces an enormous challenge. ÖVP Chancellor Karl Nehammer, SPÖ boss Andreas Babler and NEOS manager Beate Meinl-Reisinger have been in tough negotiations for the formation of a so-called sugar coalition for weeks. In view of the current Economic crisis , the population urges quick solutions and a government capable of acting. The pressure is high because Austria has to save up to four billion euros annually in order to avoid impending EU sanctions. Nevertheless, the negotiating climate remains tense, especially for controversial issues such as wealth taxes that are required by the SPÖ captain Kaiser, while ÖVP and NEOS are against such suggestions.

continuation of the negotiations

On December 27, negotiations should go into a new round after almost everything had failed at the beginning of the week. Despite a preliminary consensus on a seven -year budget renovation, implementations are still uncertain. While the SPÖ urges measures to take revenue, the government parties reject an inheritance or wealth tax. The demands for basic reforms in education and social structures also remain a hot iron. The fronts are hardened, especially among the NEOS, which are pounding on lighthouse projects and a federalism debate.

experts and negotiators are optimistic that an agreement can be reached by mid -January. However, if it would take longer than until January 20, the Zuckerl coalition could be doomed to fail, which the FPÖ, which reaches up to 40 percent in surveys, could pave the way to the Chancellery. How the negotiations continue and whether it will come to an agreement will also significantly influence the political landscape of Austria, as is