Coalition crisis: ÖVP and SPÖ argue about taxes and business!

In Austria, the coalition negotiations between the ÖVP, SPÖ and Neos are faced with a decisive phase. By December 12th, all subgroups must have met at least once, so that the steering group, led by the party leader Karl Nehammer, Andreas Babler and Beate Meinl-Reisinger, can decide how to proceed. The topic of wealth taxes is considered particularly delicate. Karl Nehammer has already made it clear that asset or inheritance taxes represent a “red line” for him. This led to a sharp exchange between the parties, such as Kleinezeitung.at . The SPÖ, which insists on the need for tax contributions from particularly beneficial groups, was rejected by Nehammer, emphasizing that an expenditure brake was needed, no new taxes. He warned that maintaining the SPÖ positions could quickly end the negotiations.

It is unclear whether there are already specific figures on the next meeting of the steering group. However, negotiation participants have optimistically announced that most groups can progress well, even if some discussions can be heated, as the negotiation circles say. Despite the tensions, the ÖVP boss was confident that a black-red-pink coalition is still possible. According to 5min.at , the negotiations are compressed with regard to the budget situation in Austria, because around 2028 around 15 billion euros must be saved.

political attitude and expectations

The SPÖ has shown itself more optimistic after earlier quarrels and emphasizes that a quick agreement on a budget path is essential prerequisite for productive negotiations. At the same time, the NEOS appealed that they only want to enter a government if reforms can be implemented. It remains to be seen how the mixture will develop in the coming days and whether the control group can bring about a political majority that can be acted.