Analysis and outlook

FPÖ now looking for the royal road to the chancellorship

Herbert Kickl appeared before the media for the first time since his election victory on Wednesday.(Bild: APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER)

The FPÖ has set its personnel course in the first meetings after the election victory: The blue negotiating team was decided. The appointment of the President of the National Council was - at least officially - not discussed. Nevertheless, there is a favorite and two alternatives. 

The Freedom Party leaders celebrated their brilliant election victory for two days before they went into the first of two committee meetings at 3pm on Wednesday. First the presidium met, then the blue party executive committee.

The first item on the agenda was a political analysis of the party's own election success, which was left to General Secretary Michael Schnedlitz. However, they also discussed the ideal route to the chancellorship. "Only Herbert Kickl and Reinhard Teufel know the exact plan," reveals an insider. However, it can be assumed that the route will lead via Styria. A new state parliament will be elected there soon. The FPÖ could oust the ÖVP from the throne and the replacement could lead to a leadership debate in the ÖVP.

The blue negotiating team
It is at least certain that Kickl himself will be re-elected as the party's leader. However, at least the negotiating team has already been determined, just in case. The team includes the two general secretaries Michael Schnedlitz and Christian Hafenecker, the federal list leader Susanne Fürst, club director Norbert Nemeth, the former ÖBB manager Arnold Schiefer and FPÖ-NÖ club leader Reinhard Teufel. Alongside Kickl, they will haggle for government participation for the Blue Party.

The FPÖ leader announced: "This team covers all areas of content that are important for the future of our country." He was confident that he could "secure the voters' clear mandate for change for five good years - so that the 'blue miracle' of Sunday could become a red-white-red miracle for the Austrians".

Question about National Council President unanswered
At least officially, there was still no talk on Wednesday about the appointment to the formally second highest office in the state. As reported, Norbert Hofer is considered the absolute favorite for the post of President of the National Council. However, Susanne Fürst and Walter Rosenkranz are also considered to have a chance. 

The latter, however, could also serve a further term as Ombudsman or succeed Kickl as the head of the parliamentary group if he makes it into government.