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ÖVP and FPÖ before renegotiation: Who will be the winner?
FPÖ and ÖVP are negotiating to form a government in Austria after failed talks with other parties. Current developments.
ÖVP and FPÖ before renegotiation: Who will be the winner?
Amid turbulent negotiations in Austria, the Freedom Party (FPÖ) is making sharp accusations against the conservative People's Party (ÖVP). Martin Antauer, the FPÖ's security and asylum spokesman in Lower Austria, criticizes the ÖVP for its "unrealistic demands" after coalition talks between the two parties failed. “The post-hungry People’s Party then willfully pulled its tail back,” emphasizes Antauer, referring to her claim that they are not playing with Austria. As can be seen from the APA-OTS article, Antauer announces that, despite the setbacks, the FPÖ remains determined to represent the interests of the population and not to be intimidated by the ÖVP.
The discussion about coalition formation comes at a critical time, as in the last parliamentary election the FPÖ overtook the ÖVP, which only achieved 26 percent, with almost 29 percent. Despite this turnaround, negotiations with other parties have not yet been fruitful, so the interim leader of the ÖVP, Christian Stocker, is now ready to speak to the FPÖ again. But conditions must be met before a meeting can take place, such as Tagesschau.de reported. The FPÖ, in turn, demands that the ÖVP be aware of its responsibility for the tense economic conditions in Austria.
Limits of collaboration
The tensions between the two parties are clearly noticeable. The new ÖVP leader Stocker makes clear demands, including a commitment to the EU and freedom of the press, while the tone from the ranks of the FPÖ is more offensive. Antauer even uses a drastic metaphor: “If you shake hands with a black elected official, you have to immediately check whether you are missing two or three fingers,” which illustrates the distrust of the ÖVP. This dangerous game between the parties could have serious effects on the political landscape in Austria if negotiations continue to fail.
In the current situation, the FPÖ has a strong starting position, especially ahead of the polls, which see it at 35 percent, while the ÖVP only drops to 20 percent. Given these numbers, it remains to be seen whether and when the first round of talks between the two parties will take place and whether a coalition will actually be formed that could have a lasting impact on the country's political direction.