Blue-Black Coalition: Kickl threatens new elections if negotiations stop!

Blue-Black Coalition: Kickl threatens new elections if negotiations stop!

The current government negotiations between the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) and the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) are on the brink. On Tuesday, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl announced that the talks had been stopped for the time being after tensions arose over the distribution of departments. In particular, the FPÖ wants both the finance and interior ministries, while the ÖVP insists on the interior ministry in order to ensure its own influence there. These disputes over ministerial posts cast a shadow over the possibility of a stable coalition, as the FPÖ insists that the Interior Ministry belongs in its hands in order to dismantle “black networks,” as Kickl expressed, looking back at the previous coalition in which the FPÖ received the Interior Ministry under Sebastian Kurz, as on oe24 reports.

Herbert Kickl remains optimistic and explained that it is just a “break in negotiations”. An ÖVP insider mentioned that many positions had already been agreed on, so there was still scope for an agreement. Kickl was also able to initiate initial discussions with the ÖVP after receiving the mandate to form a government from Federal President Van der Bellen. At a press conference, the FPÖ chairman was confident and set conditions for cooperation, such as an “honest policy” without “games” and a bazaar mentality, reported daily news.

Uncertain future of government formation

Despite the tensions, both parties appear keen to continue coalition talks. The FPÖ has raised the possibility of new elections if the ÖVP does not respond to the Freedom Party's proposals. Kickl made it clear that the trust factor is crucial in future cooperation. The pressure on the ÖVP could grow, especially since the FPÖ has gained support in the polls. An agreement could be reached by next weekend unless the conflict escalates further.