Coalition Talks Collapse, Austrian Chancellor Announces Resignation
In a surprise move, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced on Saturday evening that the coalition talks between the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) and the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) had failed. The talks, which had been ongoing for weeks, have officially come to an end.
Nehammer, who is also the ÖVP’s leader, cited a lack of agreement on key issues, including the budget and the introduction of new taxes, as the reason for the collapse of the talks. He emphasized that the ÖVP would not support “leistungs- and economy-damaging measures or new taxes” and therefore, the talks would not be continued.
The Chancellor sharply criticized the SPÖ, accusing it of destructive behavior and stating that the “destructive forces in the SPÖ have gained the upper hand.”
Nehammer reaffirmed his opposition to wealth and inheritance taxes, which, in his view, would harm the country and contradict the ÖVP’s principles.
“I keep my word and remain true to my convictions” he said.
The talks had been stuck on issues of budgetary reform and the introduction of wealth-based taxes. The SPÖ, on the other hand, expressed disappointment, saying that they had extended an olive branch until the end but the ÖVP had not moved.
The collapse of the talks comes on the heels of the NEOS’ withdrawal from the negotiations on Friday, and now a new political course seems to be in the making. The ÖVP’s state leaders will meet on Sunday morning to discuss the next steps, which could include talks with the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) or even early elections. SPÖ leader Andreas Babler will hold a press conference in the evening to address the situation.
Austria’s political future is now uncertain, with the resignation of Nehammer marking the peak of a government crisis that has been ongoing for weeks.