Babler and Nehammer: 1st date for new government

poker. On Monday morning, Chancellor Karl Nehammer went to the one-on-one meeting with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen in the Hofburg, relaxed and smiling. However, the ÖVP boss was not eloquent – at least in front of the media. Even SPÖ leader Andreas Babler – he traveled three hours to Nehammer to visit the Hofburg – was not much more willing to talk. The government spokesman is now picking up speed.

Meet. In any case, there is a need to talk between Nehammer and Babler. Both have agreed on a first summit meeting for today.

“First getting to know each other” instead of explorations

Where this will take place was not known or secret until yesterday. Officially, nothing is known about exploratory talks or even coalition negotiations. It is a purely atmospheric meeting. However, it is clear that both will now come into close contact for the first time. As is well known, both parties want to prevent a Chancellor Herbert Kickl (FPÖ). Today’s appointment could now break the ice between the two.

ÖVP-SPÖ only had a narrow majority

Third. However, a black-and-red two-party coalition is considered unlikely. After all, the two parties only have 92 seats in the National Council, which is the smallest possible majority. This is where the Neos come into play. The Pinks – especially party leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger – often emphasized before the election that they wanted to govern. The SPÖ has already stretched out its hands towards the Neos.

Government. In the event of a black-red-pink three-party coalition, a few names have already been named that would be considered for ministerial positions. One thing should be clear, however. If the three parties had formed a government, ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer would have remained chancellor. First, the Federal President must award a mandate to form a government. It is not yet possible to predict when this will happen and, above all, who will receive it. As the party with the largest number of votes, the FPÖ claimed the government mandate for itself.