Bombshell regarding the coalition negotiations between FPÖ and ÖVP: Herbert Kickl returned the mandate to form a government on Wednesday, and Austria must continue to wait for a new government.
The blue-black coalition negotiations have collapsed. FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl returned the mandate to form a government in the afternoon at the Hofburg, as he announced in a press release. This was preceded by a final personal meeting with VP leader Christian Stocker. Kickl blamed the ÖVP for the failure, as they had made concessions on many points.
The failure had become apparent at the latest since the beginning of the week. Last attempts to reach an agreement on the distribution of ministries had been played out in the media since early today, which did not necessarily increase the chances of an understanding.
Kickl-Stocker Meeting Without Breakthrough
After a phone call between the two party leaders, there was a personal meeting at noon, mediated by the Federal President. However, this also lasted less than an hour and did not bring any breakthrough.
Kickl then drove to the Hofburg and handed the Federal President a letter "not without regret," in which he explained why he was returning the mandate to form a government, even though a coalition with the SPÖ would also be mathematically possible. Preliminary talks with SP leader Andreas Babler had shown that not only were the positions far apart on crucial points, but the SPÖ also fundamentally took a negative stance on any cooperation with the FPÖ.
"Not Crowned with Success"
The FPÖ leader emphasized that they had sought discussions with the ÖVP with the intention of quickly forming an efficient federal government according to a tight schedule. Together, they wanted to lead Austria back to the top of Europe - "economically strong, socially responsible, and with a migration policy that protects the interests of our country and its people."
However, before the contentious points could be clarified at the chief negotiator level, the ÖVP insisted on resolving the distribution of ministries. On February 4th, the Freedom Party presented a corresponding draft: "Although we accommodated the ÖVP in many points during the subsequent discussions, unfortunately, the negotiations were ultimately not successful."
What Follows Now?
A statement from the Federal President is still expected today on how things will proceed, after both the former ÖVP chairman Karl Nehammer and now Kickl have failed in forming a government. A renewed attempt at a three-party coalition, a minority government, or a transitional government until a new election, which could take place before the summer, are possible.
Which preference the ÖVP might have could become clearer in a press conference today.
LIVE Blog After the End of Coalition Negotiations Between FPÖ and ÖVP
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