Political crisis: ÖVP faces big decisions!

Political crisis: ÖVP faces big decisions!

In the middle of growing political turbulence in Austria, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen announced on Sunday that he will have talks with Herbert Kickl, the chairman of the Freedom Party (FPÖ). This development follows the resignation of the ÖVP Chancellor Karl Nehammer after failed coalition talks with the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ). Nehammer had announced the resignation on Friday after the talks about the federal budget failed, with the FPÖ emerged as the strongest party with 29.2 % of the votes from the last elections. Nevertheless, van der Bellen was not ready to commission Kickl with the formation of government, which was sharply criticized by many, including Kickl itself.

new developments in the ÖVP

The ÖVP has in the meantime nominated its general secretary Christian Stocker as an interim party leader. Governor Stelzer praised Stocker's ability to conduct the party in this critical phase and emphasized the urgency of forming a stable government in order to avoid paralysis of the country. Stelzer commented against new elections and encouraged the Federal President to pursue a clear plan of action in order to defuse the situation. Van der Bellen found that the voices within the ÖVP, which have become cooperation with the FPÖ, have become quieter, which could open up the possibility of a coalition with Kickl, as reported on

Stocker himself, who had previously described Kickl as a "security risk", was now ready to assume discussions of what could continue to change the political landscape. "When we are invited, we are ready for talks," said Stocker, as cited from yahoo . This phrase leaves the possibility of a new government formation under Kickl's leadership not only as a theoretical option, but as a real scenario, which could also mean a significant influence on Austrian politics for the FPÖ.