ÖVP cancels FPÖ ministerial charges against Gewessler – what now?

ÖVP cancels FPÖ ministerial charges against Gewessler – what now?

Political tensions in Austria between the FPÖ and the ÖVP continue to increase, especially in the context of the planned ministerial indictment against former Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler. According to current reports, the ÖVP does not support this accusation. General Secretary Nico Marchetti explained that the ÖVP “Stand now” does not support the FPÖ initiative and instead favors political dialogue with Gewessler, especially if she takes over the leadership of the Greens. This reports vienna.at.

The FPÖ, which accuses Gewessler of stopping several road construction projects, including the controversial Lobau Tunnel, for ideological reasons, sees the ministerial accusation as justified. According to the Freedom Party, the canceled projects violate the Federal Highway Act. However, a majority in the National Council is required for a ministerial impeachment, which could be achieved by a joint vote of the FPÖ and ÖVP. This possibility could be up in the air as the ÖVP is not willing to support the FPÖ in this project.

ÖVP reactions to the ministerial accusation

ÖVP constitutional spokesman Wolfgang Gerstl had previously indicated support for the prosecution if there was a more than 50 percent chance of success before the Constitutional Court. However, this backing of support has proven to be a timid consideration, as Marchetti stressed that the party would first closely examine the charges. He also said that it is generally considered bad form to pursue politics through accusations and pointed out that Gewessler fell out of favor in the ÖVP because of her solo approach to the EU renaturation regulation.

Negotiations between FPÖ and ÖVP

The political negotiations between the FPÖ and ÖVP continue and are characterized by tensions. The parties are scheduled to negotiate again on Wednesday after public discrepancies emerged on Tuesday. Reports of a halt to negotiations were denied by both sides. The ÖVP describes the situation as a “difficult phase”, while FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl is vehemently calling for positions in the finance and interior departments. Christian Stocker, the head of the ÖVP, will meet Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen on Wednesday afternoon, followed by another meeting between Kickl and the Federal President on Thursday the standard reported.