Negotiations on Austria's future: Who will be a chancellor?

Negotiations on Austria's future: Who will be a chancellor?

Österreich - In Austria, the political situation remains tense, while negotiations on a new government are continued. SPÖ boss Andreas Babler has stimulated the resumption of talks with the ÖVP, whereby the possibility of an expert cabinet is also being discussed. In an important written statement, he indicates a "historical situation" and the "enormous challenges" that politics are facing. The focus is on a consolidated budget policy without endangering the economy. The preservation of jobs and an active role in the European Union are considered essential, so that the welfare of the state of the state should be on party political interests, as reported.

On Monday morning, the chief negotiators of the parties met to discuss central topics that could not be solved at the employee level. This will also be about the budget situation, which was last discussed on December 23. While the budget group continued to work over the weekend, public expectations became increasingly louder that a solution will soon become apparent. Chancellor Karl Nehammer emphasized that the negotiations must be conducted "well and honestly" in order to keep the government capable of acting. There is criticism of the previous disagreement on the way to budget consolidation and the upcoming state elections in Burgenland and Lower Austria put pressure on the negotiators. As orf.at is feared that the delays could have negative consequences for the elections.

The challenges of the coalition negotiations

There are currently great disagreements within the coalition of ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS, especially in the renovation of the budget. BABLER has repeatedly spoken out to further burden socially weak groups through austerity measures. Instead, savings are to be made in the places where high profits have been made in recent years. The solution to the budget problem is crucial, since according to political scientist Peter Filzmaier, the negotiations are not excluded.

The need to settle in January is becoming more and more urgent. If this does not succeed, this could lead to further political stagnation. Franz Fischler, former EU commissioner, sees the triple coalition the only option for the ÖVP, while the pressure increases through upcoming state elections. "The ÖVP may no longer exist. And does the domestic industry know what this means for the business location if the FPÖ puts the Chancellor?" Warns Fischler.