Sebastian Kurz now about to make a comeback?

Government formation failed

Chaos in Austria – is this his chance?

It remains to be seen what will happen next in Austria after the coalition negotiations have failed. But for one person, the chaos could open new doors.

After the failure of coalition talks between the ÖVP under Karl Nehammer and the SPÖ, both new elections and the possibility of a new coalition are up for debate in Austria. Nehammer announced his resignation as ÖVP leader on Saturday evening.

A new election would not be realistic until May 2025 at the earliest. This results from the legal requirements: There must be at least 82 days between a new election decision by the National Council and election day. Beforehand, an extensive procedure would be required, including the dissolution of the National Council by a simple majority, the setting of the election date by the federal government and the announcement in the Federal Law Gazette.

Alternatively, there could be a coalition between the ÖVP and FPÖ. However, this possibility depends heavily on the future leadership of the ÖVP, as Nehammer had previously ruled out any cooperation with the FPÖ and its leader Herbert Kickl. However, parts of the ÖVP business wing are said to be considering a black-blue option, while the SPÖ categorically rejects a coalition with the FPÖ. On Sunday, important ÖVP representatives, including state governors Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Markus Wallner and Thomas Stelzer, will discuss the next steps.

Several names are circulating for Nehammer’s successor. Sebastian Kurz, who still has a strong base within the party after his political break, is mentioned particularly often. Kurz was chancellor from 2017 to 2019 and from 2020 to 2021. According to “OE24”, high-ranking ÖVP politicians have already taken action to persuade Kurz to make a comeback. However, those around him indicate that he could only return under certain conditions – for example with his own list. Other voices see him ready to lead the party again if the state leaders support him.

“Bild” also reports on a possible comeback by the ex-chancellor. The newspaper quotes a Kurz insider: “As things stand, we wouldn’t have a chance against the FPÖ in new elections, but with Kurz the race would be open again.” Nehammer, on the other hand, failed completely.

Late in the evening, “Bild” reporter Paul Ronzheimer wrote on platform X: “According to my information, Sebastian Kurz does NOT want to become ÖVP boss at the moment.” According to his information, the ÖVP wants to join a coalition with the FPÖ as a junior partner and appoint Herbert Kickl as Vice Chancellor. Kurz is not available for this position.

Possible candidates alongside Kurz are:

The outcome of the internal party negotiations is likely to have a significant impact on Austria’s political future. A possible decision about new elections or a new coalition will depend on the future ÖVP leadership.