He sets conditions for the right-wing populist
Austria: ÖVP boss accepts Kickl invitation to talks
January 8, 2025 – 3:49 p.mReading time: 1 min.
ÖVP leader Christian Stocker wants to talk to the FPÖ. His conditions: commitments to the EU and freedom of the press, among other things.
In Austria, talks between the right-wing FPÖ and the conservative ÖVP can start. ÖVP party leader Christian Stocker explained this. But it is not yet a matter of real coalition negotiations, said an ÖVP spokesman. In a press conference, Stocker mentioned several conditions for continuing these talks. This includes, among other things, the FPÖ’s clear commitment to the EU, the rule of law and freedom of the press.
The FPÖ won the parliamentary election around 100 days ago with almost 29 percent, ahead of the ÖVP with around 26 percent. This gives the right-wing populists a great chance of appointing FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl as head of government for the first time. Alliance talks between the ÖVP, SPÖ and the liberal Neos as well as between the ÖVP and SPÖ recently failed.
Before the negotiations began, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl set key conditions. The ÖVP must share his credo of “honest politics,” said the right-wing populist. “No games, no tricks, no sabotage, no cross-talk,” he warned.
The FPÖ has a very good starting position in the talks. According to surveys, if the negotiations fail, she would probably not have to fear new elections. According to the polls, the right-wing populists could expect 35 percent, the ÖVP only 20 percent. With less than 20 percent, the social democratic SPÖ would probably no longer play a role anyway.
