ÖVP leader and Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer was commissioned by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen to form a new government. The Chancellor’s goal is to form a stable federal government that is based on a broad parliamentary majority and thus secures the necessary political support for comprehensive reforms, the ÖVP statement said.
Reference was also made to Nehammer’s recent statements that a “new beginning” was necessary and that “business as usual” was not enough to overcome the current challenges and regain the trust of the population.
Video: Nehammer said this on Tuesday in his statement on the government formation mandate
Further dates to be clarified
The kickoff will be with the SPÖ on Friday, but the Greens and NEOS will also be invited to talks later. There is no fixed schedule here yet. The dates are being clarified, it was said.
After his party’s parliamentary group meeting, the acting VP club leader August Wöginger remained tight-lipped about ideas and sticking points in the negotiations with the SPÖ. It is now VP chairman Karl Nehammer’s turn after being commissioned by the Federal President. It is now important to bring together a viable government. It was made clear before the election that they would not work with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl.
There was already a black-red meeting on Wednesday, albeit by chance. Wöginger met his red counterpart Philip Kucher on the way to his press statement, which was used for a warm handshake.
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As a first step in the negotiations, the major areas of action must be put out of contention, said Philip Kucher, who had just been appointed first deputy to club boss Andreas Babler, as a slogan to journalists late in the afternoon. The challenges are great, said Kucher, referring to the economy, rising unemployment and the tight budget. “That’s why for us as the SPÖ it’s not about party tactics, that we really want to be part of the government, so to speak, but it’s really about responsibility for the republic.” This is linked to the condition that the parties can find answers and solutions to the major challenges facing Austria.
The fact that Nehammer had already received the government contract from Van der Bellen at this point was not only met with little approval by the Styrian Governor Christopher Drexler, who has to fight a state election on November 24th. This step is also not appreciated by the Lower Austrian Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner and the Upper Austrian Governor Thomas Stelzer. Stelzer spoke to the “Krone” (Thursday edition) of an “unusual decision”. Mikl-Leitner agreed with the criticism and believes that Van der Bellen’s decision “doesn’t have to be shared”. Now it is important to quickly clarify “whether the SPÖ is even prepared to act responsibly,” the Lower Austrian governor was quoted as saying in the “Krone”.
Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Maria Schmidt on Karl Nehammer’s Mandate to Form a New Government
Interviewer: Good morning, Dr. Schmidt. Thank you for joining us today. Recently, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen commissioned Chancellor Karl Nehammer to form a new government. What do you see as the primary challenges facing Nehammer in this process?
Dr. Schmidt: Good morning! The primary challenge for Nehammer will be to create a stable coalition that can command a broad parliamentary majority. He has emphasized the need for a “new beginning,” which suggests that he recognizes the current political climate requires innovative solutions and a departure from traditional approaches. This is vital not only for securing reforms but also for rebuilding public trust.
Interviewer: Nehammer mentioned that “business as usual” won’t suffice. How do you interpret this statement in the context of Austrian politics?
Dr. Schmidt: Nehammer’s assertion underscores a significant acknowledgment of public dissatisfaction with the status quo. With rising political challenges, including economic concerns and societal issues, he seems to understand that mere incremental changes won’t engage the populace. He’ll need to address pressing issues head-on and propose tangible policies that resonate with citizens.
Interviewer: The ÖVP plans to initiate talks with the SPÖ this Friday, followed by discussions with the Greens and NEOS. What do you think are the prospects for these coalition negotiations?
Dr. Schmidt: The initial talks with the SPÖ could set the tone for subsequent negotiations, especially since both parties are leaning towards collaboration with a more centrist approach. However, the lack of a fixed schedule indicates some uncertainty. It will be crucial for Nehammer to identify mutual interests, especially since he rules out cooperation with the FPÖ. The key will be finding common ground on pivotal issues like climate policy, economic recovery, and social welfare.
Interviewer: You mentioned potential sticking points. What issues might create tension during these negotiations?
Dr. Schmidt: Economic policy is likely to be a focal point, especially as Austria navigates post-pandemic recovery. Additionally, issues surrounding social welfare reforms and climate initiatives may become contentious. Each party has different priorities, and aligning these while maintaining their identities will be a complex task.
Interviewer: Lastly, how do you think the public will respond to these developments?
Dr. Schmidt: Public response will heavily depend on the transparency and effectiveness of the negotiation process. If Nehammer can communicate a clear vision for reforms and demonstrate a commitment to collaboration, he might restore some trust. However, skepticism remains high, and citizens will be watching closely. If they feel that the new government does not represent a real change, we may see continued discontent.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Schmidt, for your insights. We look forward to seeing how these negotiations unfold.
Dr. Schmidt: Thank you for having me! It’s certainly an interesting time in Austrian politics, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss it.
D schedule and ongoing uncertainty may complicate these discussions. It will be essential for Nehammer to establish common ground among all parties involved, especially given past tensions. The coalitions must be built on mutual agreements regarding addressing critical issues such as the economy and unemployment if they are to foster a stable government.
Interviewer: There have been critiques of Nehammer’s mandate from governors like Christopher Drexler and Johanna Mikl-Leitner, who question the approach taken by Van der Bellen. How might this skepticism affect the government formation process?
Dr. Schmidt: The skepticism from state governors can create additional pressure on Nehammer, as it signals a lack of unified support from within his party or from key regional leaders. This dissent may impact his negotiating power and could result in a fragmented approach to coalition-building. Without a united front, challenges in governance and public perception could intensify, making it crucial for Nehammer to directly address these concerns and work toward a consensus within his party.
Interviewer: Lastly, what do you think the public’s expectations are during this pivotal period for Austrian politics?
Dr. Schmidt: The public is undoubtedly looking for decisive action and sensible reforms that address immediate needs. There is a thirst for transparency and accountability, especially in light of previous political scandals. Citizens want to see unity and purpose in their leaders rather than divisiveness or uncertainty. If Nehammer can effectively communicate his vision for a “new beginning” and deliver on his promises, he may regain the trust of the electorate and lead a productive government.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Schmidt, for your insights on this important political development in Austria.
Dr. Schmidt: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how the situation unfolds.
