ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS do government negotiations start: a way to stability?

ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS do government negotiations start: a way to stability?

In a significant development phase, the ÖVP, led by Karl Nehammer, which SPÖ led by Andreas Babler and the Neos under Beate Meinl-Reisinger on Monday, decided to accept formal government negotiations. This step follows several exploratory talks, which resulted in a first common appearance of the top politicians. Nehammer emphasized that although the exploratory phase was completed, the parties had not yet agreed on a final coalition or a government program. The way there is challenging.

In a performance in "ZiB2", Nehammer expressed that the formation of a "government of stability and reason" was of the greatest importance for Austria. In view of the global political developments, such as the US election and the changes in Germany, Austria had to be shaped jointly from the middle. He was optimistic that earlier conflicts that arose in the election campaign between the parties could now be overcome in order to develop constructive solutions together.

The financial situation as a challenge

A central topic of the negotiations will be the desired brake, which Nehammer described as a "top premise" for the upcoming government program. The background to this necessary measure is the massive burdens of the budget in the past five years due to pandemic, the Ukraine war and inflation. Nehammer explained that it is important to use the existing financial means more efficiently in order to boost economic growth in Austria again and to create jobs.

With regard to the financial measures, such as the possible end of the climate monus, the Federal Chancellor did not want to take a position at this time, since the negotiations would only begin. He also cautiously commented on the request of the Court of Auditors Margit Kraker after a round of zero wages in the public service and emphasized the importance of the upcoming discussions.

transparent negotiations in politics

Another important concern of Nehammer is transparency in the negotiations. He confirmed that there should be no secret agreements for the position of post during the government negotiations. "It takes transparency," he made it clear, pointing out that all posts were regulated by law and should therefore be understandable to the public. The voting and the votes of the FPÖ are also important for him and should be taken into account in the considerations.

Nehammer announced that the parties want to negotiate "as soon as possible, but also as detailed as possible". First of all, all problem points should be identified and discussed so that the new government can work effectively. However, whether and when a final agreement will be reached remains open.

These developments in political space are crucial for the future of the Austrian government and will also be followed carefully in the coming weeks.