Coalition crisis in Austria: ÖVP and SPÖ are stuck!

Coalition crisis in Austria: ÖVP and SPÖ are stuck!

The political situation in Austria is tense: the negotiations between the ÖVP and the SPÖ are not making any progress and are at a dead end. Despite intensive discussions since Friday, events took a dramatic turn on Saturday. The SPÖ is calling for the introduction of new taxes, including an inheritance tax, which is unacceptable for the ÖVP. ÖVP negotiators described this demand as “an absolute no-go”, while the SPÖ sharply criticized the ÖVP’s cost-cutting plans, as they could result in significant cuts in pensions and salaries for teachers and police officers. The negotiations experienced additional pressure from the SPÖ club chairman Roland Fürst from Burgenland, who declared the talks had failed and called on Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen to break off the negotiations. He emphasizes that responsibility should not be left to those who are only oriented towards personal power interests. This could have serious consequences for the possibility of a black-red majority, as the Burgenlanders are crucial for progress 5min.at reported.

New coalition talks and the role of NEOS

After talks about a three-way alliance, which was also supposed to include the NEOS, were broken off, the two main parties have decided to continue negotiations without the NEOS - a decision that was announced by Federal President Van der Bellen. Both parties only have a majority of votes in parliament, which calls into question the stability of the possible two-party alliance. SPÖ leader Andreas Babler signaled that his hand remains outstretched to the ÖVP, while Chancellor Karl Nehammer did not make any specific statements, but made general statements about the need for cooperation between the political center, such as Tagesschau.de reported.

The political negotiations are facing a decisive turning point: If talks between the ÖVP and SPÖ fail, new elections could occur, which would probably bring the Freedom Party FPÖ under its controversial leader Herbert Kickl back to the top. This party is currently well ahead in the polls, and FPÖ General Secretary Michael Schnedlitz emphasized the Freedom Party's willingness to form a government to end the current chaos. The political climate in Austria is severely challenged and all eyes are on the coming days.