Coalition crisis in Austria: Neos pull the ripcord!

Coalition crisis in Austria: Neos pull the ripcord!

Österreich - The political landscape of Austria is facing a decisive turning point. The NEOS decided to get out of the ongoing coalition negotiations with the ÖVP and the SPÖ after it became clear that no breakthrough could be achieved. Beate Meinl-Reisinger, the NEOS party leader, expressed in a short-term press conference that there was repeated a no to fundamental reforms, especially with regard to budget and investments. This led to a step backwards in the negotiations, which brought NEOS to the decision not to be available for government formation. According to Meinl-Reisinger made it clear that, despite the exit, the NEOs are ready to agree to the already outlined proposals in the National Council.

The discussions between the leading parties, especially between Karl Nehammer (ÖVP), Andreas Babler (SPÖ) and Meinl-Reisinger, have dragged on for several days, but without progress. The question of increasing the statutory retirement age was particularly disputed to 67 years, which was strictly rejected by the SPÖ. According to orf , the executive SPÖ party leader Alois Stöger explained that the withdrawal of the NEOs was regrettable for Austria and criticized their positions on inheritance and wealth taxes.

Meinl-Reisinger also warned of the difficult economic situation in which Austria is located and has been naming the past few months. She emphasized that the withdrawal of the NEOS does not have to mean the end of political ambitions, but only made the need to find new ways. Now the remaining parties have to discuss possible alternatives to government formation, including the return of the Greens to the negotiations or even new elections if no agreement can be reached. The political challenges for Austria are huge and the exit of the NEOS represents a new challenge for government formation.