ÖVP and FPÖ in conversation: a new course for the government?

ÖVP and FPÖ in conversation: a new course for the government?

The political waves in Austria are high: after a dramatic change of course of the ÖVP under the new interim boss Christian Stocker, who is now willing to negotiate with the FPÖ under Herbert Kickl, the political landscape has changed noticeably. Land chief Wilfried Haslauer from Salzburg demands a rapid agreement with the freedom and emphasizes that time is urged. According to Today Kickl is expected to receive the order for government formation from Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. The new tactic of the ÖVP is in stark contrast to the previous hard points of view against the FPÖ and could fundamentally change the political balance of the nation.

The decision of van der Bellen not to entrust Kickl with the government's mandate right from the start was justified by himself, since the votes for cooperation with Kickl had become quieter within the ÖVP. In a press conference, Stocker said that the ÖVP was ready to consequently accept the invitation to form the government, as the orf reported. "The domestic policy has worsened and we take our responsibility seriously," said Stocker, who was once a sharp critic of Kickl. This remarkable change underlines the rapidly changing political mood in Austria.

political tensions and reactions

With this turn, numerous critical voices come from other political actors. Greens boss Werner Kogler was outraged by the impending cooperation between the ÖVP and FPÖ and described them as "gigantic voter deception". Civil society also reacts: groups such as Volkshilfe and Greenpeace call for a protest in front of the Federal Chancellery in order to demonstrate against the closer coalition. Since the negotiations between the ÖVP and the SPÖ have failed, the upcoming interim chancellor, according to van der Bellen, will be announced "during the week", while the FPÖ clearly rejects responsibility for the current chaotic circumstances. The pressure on the political decision -makers increases and the next steps in government formation are of crucial importance.