Meinl-Reisinger was received at the Hofburg in the morning, Kogler followed in the afternoon. The talks have been going “very well” so far, said Van der Bellen. The Federal President has not yet revealed how he intends to proceed after the end of the round of talks.
Kogler also did not want to comment on the content of the discussion after the meeting. The conversation was “very trusting”, the Green leader repeated the less than informative assessment of his colleagues from the ÖVP and SPÖ from the previous day and added: “and very confidential”. It is now important to find common overlaps when it comes to future decisions, says Kogler.
Looking to the future and worrying
The Neos boss was more willing to provide information after her meeting with Van der Bellen in the morning. The exchange with the Federal President was driven a lot by “forward-looking but also concern”, especially with regard to the economic and associated budgetary situation, Meinl-Reisinger reported to the waiting media representatives after the approximately 80-minute conversation.
According to the Neos boss, she has reaffirmed her fundamental willingness to “work on reforms in a future-oriented and energetic manner and to enter into appropriate discussions with the SPÖ and ÖVP.” In addition, she also wants to hold reform talks with all parties. Many of the reforms she believes are necessary require a two-thirds majority in parliament, which is why she has invited all parties to “reform talks”. According to Neos, there are no concrete dates for this yet.
Meinl-Reisinger welcomed the fact that ÖVP boss Karl Nehammer and SPÖ boss Andreas Babler met on Tuesday for a one-on-one discussion: “They should, wonderful,” she said.
Who gets the government formation contract?
After the round of discussions has ended, Van der Bellen wants to comment publicly on how to proceed. When exactly this will happen is still unclear. It is eagerly awaited whether the Federal President will issue a mandate to form a government. An official mandate is not laid down in the constitution, but is practice and is usually given to the leader of the party with the largest number of votes. However, the starting position this time is particularly complicated, as none of the other parties want to form a coalition with the FPÖ under Kickl.
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One of the two smaller parties could therefore play an important role in forming a government this time. If the ÖVP and SPÖ agree on a coalition, they are expected to bring a third partner on board to secure their narrow majority in the National Council – with only one mandate overhang. From the current perspective, the Neos have the better cards.
