Vienna in the coalition chaos: Who will be the next partner of the SPÖ?

Vienna in the coalition chaos: Who will be the next partner of the SPÖ?

Austria is in the middle of intensive coalition negotiations, while Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) has the opportunity to form a coalition of two with a large number of parties. The FPÖ, with which Ludwig has already excluded in advance, remains a collaboration. After the NEOS have promising cards in the coalition poker, Ludwig would be a continuation of the red-pink city government the most comfortable solution. However, the actual coalition formation depends largely on the upcoming negotiations with the other parties, which are to be started as soon as possible in order to install a new city government before the summer. A well -functioning coalition is of great importance for Ludwig.

The choice has shown that the voters have a clear idea of ​​what coalitions they want. According to a survey by the Lazarsfeld Society, 25 % of Viennese prefers a continuation of the red-pink cooperation. Another 23 % support a red-blue coalition with the FPÖ, while 21 % favor a collaboration between the SPÖ and the Greens. The least consent receives a SPÖ-ÖVP coalition that is only desired by 14 % of the population, which illustrates the challenges for the SPÖ in the current political landscape.

negotiations and challenges

The entire political situation in Austria is characterized by uncertainties. As reports Tagesschau.de, the coalition talks run between the SPÖ, Neos and the ÖVP, but they are complex and complicated. After the election in September 2023 it was clear that it would not be easy to form a majority. The coalition negotiations, which initially seemed promising, have failed partially, and the ÖVP broke its original election promise not to negotiate with Herbert Kickl from the FPÖ. This phrase continued to shake confidence in political culture.

In view of internal wing struggles within the SPÖ and the repeated demands for a system conversion by the FPÖ, everyone involved faces major challenges. Alexander van der Bellen, the country's president, is also faced with the possibility of new elections, since the previous negotiations have not produced a sustainable majority. This could continue to burden the search for a new government that has been ongoing for 136 days. The negotiations have made it clear that the FPÖ continues to try to enforce their agenda, while the ÖVP security risks fear the FPÖ in the event of a possible ministerial position.

outlook and political uncertainties

In this confusing political situation, van der Bellen emphasizes that the failure of the negotiations does not have to be a reason to worry for the state of the state. Nevertheless, the question remains how and when a stable government can be formed. Interim Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg faces the challenge of regaining political ability to act, while the FPÖ tries to increase the support of the electorate.

With the impending radicalization of the FPÖ and the uncertainty about future coalition constellations, it is clear: Austria is at a turning point that not only influence the political landscape of the country, but also could also change the economic and social conditions sustainably. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether Ludwig can successfully lead the talks to a stable coalition.