Nehammer steps back: political chaos and a possible chancellor Kickl!

Nehammer steps back: political chaos and a possible chancellor Kickl!

Austria in political chaos: Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced his retirement as a government and party leader after the coalition negotiations with the SPÖ failed. In a video appearance, Nehammer announced that his plan to form a stable government had failed after weeks of negotiations due to insurmountable differences. The central point of dispute was dealing with the budget deficit: While the SPÖ demanded tax increases, the ÖVP decidedly rejected this. Nehammer said on the X platform that no agreement was possible in essential points. As krone.at , even political opponents like the Neos boss Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Andreas Babler from the SPÖ paid their respect for the chancellor, despite the failed negotiation results.

The future of the government is on the brink

After the failed conversations about a coalition without the FPÖ, it is now being discussed how things will go on. Herbert Kickl from the FPÖ had received the most votes in the last election, but no order for government formation from the Federal President. Now the question is whether Nehammer and the ÖVP will take a change of course and consider working with the FPÖ. Barbara mentioned in her report on DW.com the ÖVP would push into a junior partner -like position. There is also the possibility of new elections in the room, which could only take place in three months.

The political situation in Austria is tense and the coming time will be decisive for the direction of the country. BABLER warned that the possibility of a "blue-black" coalition that could end with a right-wing extremist Chancellor was quite realistic. The next steps of the ÖVP and the possible acting of the FPÖ are observed closely, while Austria moves towards an uncertain political future.