FPÖ and ÖVP in the forced association: stability or standstill for Styria?

FPÖ and ÖVP in the forced association: stability or standstill for Styria?

In a fundamentally new political orientation, FPÖ Styria has announced, after intensive exploratory talks, that it will enter government negotiations with the Styrian People's Party (ÖVP). The decision was made unanimously in the State Party President on Sunday. With around 27 percent of the votes, the ÖVP achieved second place in the state election well before the SPÖ and signals that it wants to act as a stable partner of the future state government. FPÖ election winner Mario Kunasek emphasized the desire for a stable coalition of two, which not only illustrates the "largest intersections" between the parties, but is also focused on the urgent renovation work in the state. This was also supported by steiermark.orf.at , which highlighted the need for a stable political framework.

negotiations and challenges

The ÖVP sees the talks with the FPÖ as an opportunity to fully take into account the will to voters. ÖVP state party chairman Christopher Drexler expressed that the coalition of the two parties can offer the most stable solution for the challenges of Styria. However, special points, such as the leading hospital planned in the district of Liezen, could become explosive negotiation points. This project is considered one of the central concerns of the ÖVP, while the FPÖ is strictly against it. Another uncertainty factor remains whether Drexler is still available as a deputy governor after the coalition that may have come about after he had previously excluded a candidacy. This could lead to tensions in the course of the negotiations, such as VOL.AT noted.

In a first reaction to the choice of FPÖ as a coalition partner, the SPÖ, on the other hand, sees a "missed opportunity" for new ways in Styria. SPÖ state managing director Florian Seiter criticized the decision as a lack of willingness to break old patterns and intervened in the public discussion about the future political landscape in Styria.