Coalition talks are coming to a head: Nehammer is pushing for Epiphany!

Coalition talks are coming to a head: Nehammer is pushing for Epiphany!

Political events in Austria are experiencing exciting developments at the beginning of 2025. Chancellor Karl Nehammer is aiming for a quick agreement in the coalition talks between the ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS in order to forge a new three-party coalition before Epiphany on January 6th. The first meeting of the party leaders is scheduled to take place on Thursday, but hurdles such as the strained state budget still stand in the way. Many citizens expressed skepticism about the “candy coalition” because there are numerous substantive differences between the parties, such as krone.at reported. In particular, the role of the FPÖ, which is not being considered as a coalition partner, is being discussed critically. Some readers blame Herbert Kickl for the failure of the talks, while others point to a lack of responsiveness from the FPÖ.

Clarifications on the coalition negotiations

The basic processes involved in forming a government also caused confusion among readers. It was made clear that it was not the Federal Chancellor who would be elected in the National Council elections, but rather the members of parliament. The chancellor will later be appointed by the Federal President after coalition talks are completed. Meanwhile, the FPÖ and the ÖVP in Styria are intensifying their negotiations. On Tuesday they presented the first agreements on pressing issues such as security and migration. The introduction of a payment card for asylum seekers and the abolition of cash benefits are the focus of the new regulations. This is intended to make Styria less attractive as a destination for asylum seekers exxpress.at reported.

FPÖ leader Mario Kunasek emphasized the need for a restrictive migration policy based on a clear internalization of Austrian values. The negotiations should be completed by Friday, with a view to the constituent session of the new Styrian state parliament on December 18th. Particular challenges are expected in the health sector, especially with regard to the controversial Upper Styrian main hospital in Liezen, where heated debates are raging between the coalition partners. These developments could be crucial for the future political landscape in Austria.