The coalition talks between the FPÖ and the ÖVP have hit a serious crisis. The core of the dispute is the two parties’ inability to agree on the distribution of ministerial positions. The FPÖ is particularly insistent on securing the finance and interior ministries, as well as control over the European affairs in the Chancellor’s office and an independent justice minister. The ÖVP, on the other hand, remains firm, refusing to budge on these points.
The FPÖ presents its proposal as a generous offer, offering the ÖVP more ministerial positions than in previous coalitions. Specifically, the ÖVP would retain seven portfolios, including the foreign, economy and education ministries, while the FPÖ would be content with six, but with influential positions such as the Chancellor’s office, finance, interior and health and social affairs. The FPÖ also emphasizes the need for an independent justice minister and a non-partisan state secretary in the interior ministry, responsible for the intelligence service.
However, the ÖVP perceives the FPÖ’s proposal as one-sided and unbalanced, feeling that it is being offered “lesser posts” and criticizing the FPÖ for overestimating its own influence. The ÖVP particularly resists the FPÖ’s demand for control over the European affairs, stressing that it has traditionally led these areas and intends to do so in the future as well. The ÖVP also strongly rejects the idea of an independent justice minister, fearing that this would unreasonably increase the FPÖ’s influence on the judiciary.
After the talks stalled, the ÖVP has temporarily suspended the negotiations and called a crisis meeting. Party leader Christian Stocker received full support from his party members. Meanwhile, the ÖVP has signaled a willingness to continue the talks, but only if the FPÖ makes some concessions on key issues. FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl is trying to ease the tense situation, emphasizing that the talks have not yet failed, but rather, a brief pause has been taken.
The talks are expected to resume in the coming days, with a possible agreement by the weekend still possible. However, the chasms between the two parties run deep and the fate of the coalition hangs in the balance. If the talks do fail, the ultimate decision would rest with the voters, potentially leading to a fundamental shift in the Austrian political landscape and setting the stage for the next government. The coming days will be crucial in determining the outcome of the coalition talks.