Austria's politics on the brink: What now after the coalition flop?

Austria's politics on the brink: What now after the coalition flop?

In Austria, political negotiations face an uncertain future. After the talks between the FPÖ and the ÖVP have finally failed, the question arises: What comes next? The end was sealed on Wednesday after a final personal meeting between party leaders Herbert Kickl and Christian Stocker. Where this will lead remains nebulous, as the government commission put an end to the current situation with erratic challenges. Loud noen.at After the failed attempt by the Blue-Black coalition, it is completely unclear what steps the parties will take next.

The policy options

There are some possible scenarios. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen could set up a government of experts, as he did after the Ibiza affair, or citizens could be called to vote again. Since negotiations for a new black-red-pink three-party coalition have also failed, the political landscape is crying out for solutions. Experts pointed out that an expert government, although it would be conceivable as a temporary solution, would need the support of the National Council in order not to be immediately dismissed. Loud salzburg24.at A new election could not take place until June at the earliest, as the National Council needs a simple majority for an early dissolution.

Meanwhile, the current APA survey reports that the FPÖ is at around 35 percent and FPÖ leader Kickl is not afraid of new elections. However, such a step could also mean major financial burdens for the indebted parties ÖVP and SPÖ. In the current situation, the question remains as to whether a new coalition between the major parties is possible or whether a minority government will come into play in which less than half of the seats are held. This situation harbors immense uncertainty, as legislative decisions would depend on the support of the opposition.