ÖVP in the Zwickmühle: Vorarlberg election brings federal political turbulence

ÖVP in the Zwickmühle: Vorarlberg election brings federal political turbulence

Despite a succession to its governor in Vorarlberg, the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) sees itself in a difficult situation at the federal level. The state elections usually have little influence on federal politics, the appearances of the Austria Communist Party (KPÖ) in cities such as Graz, Salzburg-Stadt and Salzburg-Land remained without consequences for the national stage. The same is the current choice in Vorarlberg: The governor of the ÖVP can record a respectable success, but at the same time he has to deal with a loss. In particular, the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) was able to benefit from a positive trend at federal level.

The most suffer from the results, however, have the Greens, who suffered significant losses of votes. Governor Christopher Drexler may breathe a sigh of relief in Graz because it seems that the governor will enjoy a bonus. However, if the negative consequences for the ÖVP become noticeable and the pressure on November 24th increases, this could lead to noticeable changes at the national level.

The role of the FPÖ and internal challenges of the ÖVP

The FPÖ has now withdrawn into a kind of martyr role. She sees herself as the winner of the National Council election and is looking for the guilt for the current political situation among the other parties that arise exclusively. The crucial question remains: How will the ÖVP behave? Karl Nehammer, the chairman of the ÖVP, emphasized in the election campaign not to coalize with Herbert Kickl, the FPÖ chairman. Such prior rejections could have an impact on the internal stability of the People's Party and its future decisions.

The apparent agreement within the ÖVP is deceptive. Behind the scenes, the possibility of a coalition between "two losers and a senior teacher" is viewed critically. It is feared that this constellation could only find little approval from the voters. Representatives from business and industry are concerned and have indicated that, despite the political tensions, they find Herbert Kickl less problematic than Andreas Babler. The view of economic and migration policy issues shows that the programs of the ÖVP and FPÖ are similar in many points and therefore a possible approach between the two parties is not completely excluded.

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