Styrian government formation: FPÖ and ÖVP are approaching final agreement!

Styrian government formation: FPÖ and ÖVP are approaching final agreement!

Deep political changes are imminent in Styria as the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) gains the upper hand with 34.76 percent of the vote after a resounding victory in the November 24 state election. Mario Kunasek is expected to be the new state governor and has agreed on a coalition together with the ÖVP oe24.at reported. The coalition program is to be presented on Tuesday, while the committees of the parties involved prepare for the final division of departments.

The initial information suggests that the departments will be divided in a ratio of four to four between the FPÖ and the ÖVP. This is notable because the FPÖ clearly won the election and would therefore receive the same number of departments as the ÖVP, which is considered the election loser with 26.81 percent of the vote and 13 mandates. The planned government program is entitled “Strong Styria, secure future” and includes several important points such as a new payment card for asylum seekers and a compulsory preschool year for children with poor German skills. In addition, a “care master plan” is to be developed in order to strengthen the business location vorarlberg.orf.at mentioned additionally.

At the same time, the Styrian SPÖ is preparing for a change in leadership. After the resignation of the previous state chairman Anton Lang, Max Lercher will take over as head of the SPÖ, which becomes more important against the background of a dramatic electoral decline. This resignation and the press conference that followed underscore the ongoing challenges facing the opposition. Styria is therefore on the threshold of a new political chapter, which will be shaped by the clear demands of the FPÖ.