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Coalition crisis: ÖVP presents SPÖ with insurmountable hurdles!
SPÖ and ÖVP in a dispute over taxes: coalition talks stall, deadline until December 12th for solutions. Who bears the burden?
Coalition crisis: ÖVP presents SPÖ with insurmountable hurdles!
The coalition negotiations between ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS are facing a decisive turn. SPÖ leader Andreas Babler demands that “strong shoulders have to carry more” and sets wealth taxes as a condition for continuing the talks. In an interview with Today Chancellor Karl Nehammer vehemently pointed out the “red line”: “With me and the People’s Party there will be no wealth or inheritance taxes.” These harsh words show that the fronts have hardened and a war of nerves is in full swing.
The tense situation is made worse by the upcoming deadlines, as all subgroups must have met at least once by December 12th. According to the information from Small newspaper Nehammer threatened to break off the negotiations in the event of persistent SPÖ demands, which would enormously increase the pressure on both sides. Babler is demanding increased participation in budget consolidation from wealthy citizens who have benefited from tax breaks. “A wave of bankruptcies is coming,” he warns, while at the same time emphasizing that the SPÖ wants to govern, but not at any price.
Conflicts and solutions
The conflict is further fueled by personal demands and ideological differences. Babler criticized the Neos for cuts in the media sector, while Nehammer and his negotiating partners are sticking to a spending brake. So far, the negotiations have only proven productive in some areas, but in others the issues are piling up. The SPÖ has the task of strengthening its positions, but cannot move forward without compromises.
Some insiders are concerned about the progress of the talks, as the dynamics of the coalition negotiations so far bring back memories of previous failed commissions. However, Nehammer remains optimistic: "Of course there are flashes in some negotiating groups. Different ideological approaches collide," as he said in the standard stated. It remains crucial for the ÖVP not to violate its election promises regarding tax increases.