The party announced this in a press conference on Wednesday. The list will be elected at a state assembly next February. Pühringer is currently leading the party together with Peter Kraus, who is applying for second place on the list.
The Pühringer-Kraus duo has been in office since May 202. Predecessor Birgit Hebein was removed from the party after the 2020 Vienna election. After the election, the SPÖ decided to work with the NEOS – after red-green Vienna had ruled Vienna for two legislative periods.
The 2020 election result was certainly positive for the Greens. They were able to achieve their best result to date with 14.8 percent. The most recent National Council election in Vienna was much more sobering. The Eco Party lost 8.4 percentage points. It came in fourth place with 12.3 percent, just ahead of the NEOS.
What are some potential difficulties the SPÖ and ÖVP might face in forming a coalition government?
I can create that interview for you.
## Interview: Austrian Coalition Talks Hit Roadblock
**Host:** Joining us today to discuss the ongoing coalition talks in Austria is political analyst Alex Reed. Welcome to the show.
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** So, the SPÖ and ÖVP are attempting to form a coalition government. How are those talks going?
**Alex Reed:** Well, early indications suggest it’s going to be a tough road. Chancellor Nehammer described the initial meeting as “long and rather rocky”, citing complex issues arising from recent elections [[1](https://voiceofvienna.org/2024/10/spo-and-ovp-face-uphill-battle-in-coalition-talks-following-recent-elections-in-austria/)].
**Host:** What are some of the main sticking points in these negotiations?
**Alex Reed:** While the article doesn’t explicitly detail the issues, it’s [Alex Reed’s explanation based on their expertise and knowledge of Austrian politics].
**Host:** This comes after a series of elections that have shaken up the political landscape in Austria.
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. We’ve seen a shift in voter preferences, and that’s reflected in the complexity of forming a stable government.
**Host:** Do you think the SPÖ and ÖVP can overcome these challenges and form a successful coalition?
**Alex Reed:** It’s certainly going to be difficult. But both parties recognize the need for a functioning government. Ultimately, their willingness to compromise will determine the outcome.
**Host**: We’ll be watching closely. Thank you for providing your insights, Alex Reed.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure.
