Search for a government

Nehammer meets Babler and Meinl-Reisinger

SPÖ leader Andreas Babler meets Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) at a secret location.(Bild: APA/Georg Hochmuth)

Chancellor Karl Nehammer and SPÖ leader Andreas Babler met for talks on Wednesday in search of a way out of the stalemate following the National Council elections. As expected, nothing of the content of the meeting leaked out, except that the two will inform the Federal President in the coming days or next week.

After the meeting with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl on Tuesday, Nehammer once again rejected coalition cooperation with the blue frontman. The Chancellor cited a lack of willingness to take responsibility and a contrary understanding of democracy on the part of the Freedom Party leader as reasons. Kickl's dealings with the Office for the Protection of the Constitution during his time as Interior Minister had also endangered Austria's security interests. Nehammer emphasized that he would under no circumstances act as a "stirrup holder" for Kickl.

FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl sees a "crystal clear" mandate from the voters to form a government.(Bild: APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER)

State Secretary Claudia Plakolm, who is part of the ÖVP negotiating team, also reiterated her "no" to Kickl at a press conference on Wednesday. When asked about a government with the SPÖ, she was vague and pointed out that they were still exploring the possibility. After Babler, Nehammer also wants to talk to NEOS leader Meinl-Reisinger on Wednesday, who could make him chancellor again in a black-red-left coalition.

Federal President will be informed of the outcome on Friday
The last meeting between Babler and Kickl is scheduled for Thursday. The SPÖ leader also wants to coordinate with Meinl-Reisinger afterwards. At the end of the week, Kickl, Nehammer and Babler are to report to Head of State Alexander Van der Bellen on "what kind of cooperation would be conceivable".