Coalition talks in the crisis: FPÖ and ÖVP are fighting for the Interior Ministry!

Coalition talks in the crisis: FPÖ and ÖVP are fighting for the Interior Ministry!

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen has urged that the coalition negotiations between the FPÖ and the ÖVP are quickly clarified. After a meeting with the party leader Herbert Kickl (FPÖ) and Christian Stocker (ÖVP) in the Hofburg, van der Bellen made it clear that a decision about the possible government formation was soon necessary. Kickl viewed the visit to the president as a routine. Nevertheless, it is bubbling behind the scenes: The interior ministry remains a central point of dispute, since the FPÖ exists at this department, while the ÖVP is skeptical whether an agreement is still possible, such as 5min.at reported.

The talks between the two parties have stalled strongly, especially in the distribution of the ministries. The ÖVP has shown the FPÖ some “red lines”, which led to speculation that the negotiations could possibly fail. Nevertheless, Stocker and Kickl have confirmed that the conversations should be continued. A two -sided principle that the ÖVP of the FPÖ has presented contains demands for a commitment to European cooperation and a clear positioning against the Russian aggressive war on Ukraine. A "Sky Shield" defense project is also discussed, such as orf.at reported.

insurmountable differences?

The mood remains tense during the negotiations. Kickl emphasized the "good atmosphere" despite the difficulties, while criticism arises from the ranks of the ÖVP, including Harald Mahrer. Mahrer questioned the FPÖ's willingness to compromise and explained that a party capable of government had to bring responsibility and the pursuit of consensus. There are also numerous open questions with regard to the distribution of department, but the negotiating partners are determined to have further discussions.