Schallenberg stays with his line: no collaboration with Kickl!

Schallenberg stays with his line: no collaboration with Kickl!

In the middle of the political jerking in Austria, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has again made a clear announcement. In view of the upcoming government mandate to FPÖ boss Herbert Kickl, he confirmed that under his leadership he would "certainly not be called Schallenberg". This determination announced his office and emphasized that he is about his previous statements. Schallenberg, who has been funding since 2019, had already made it clear in an interview in 2023 with the "press" that he did not want to be part of a federal government under Kickl, as the daily newspaper "Die Presse" reported.

The situation is particularly explosive, since Herbert Kickl and his FPÖ are in coalition talks with the ÖVP. While the talks take place, Kickl describes the similarities between the programs of FPÖ and ÖVP as a potential approach to cooperation. However, Schallenberg's participation in these negotiations is unlikely, since his political point of view is clearly directed against a cooperation with Kickl. This has already led to tensions within the political landscape in Austria in the past, since not all domestic politicians want to work together with Kickl. The 55-year-old Schallenberg briefly interrupted his term as Foreign Minister in order to take over the office of head of government after Sebastian Kurz resigned.

The political situation remains tense, and while Herbert Kickl tries to form a strong coalition, Schallenberg's refusal to become part of his cabinet could have far -reaching consequences for the planned government formats. It remains to be seen how the talks develop and whether Kickl may have to do without the diplomatic support, which Schallenberg, as Foreign Minister, has what Austria could influence.