"I am delighted"

NEOS exploratory talks with ÖVP and SPÖ for the first time

NEOS party leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger is pleased that things are getting underway.(Bild: APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER)

The exploratory talks to form a new government are taking place for the first time with the NEOS. They will meet with the ÖVP and SPÖ on Wednesday at Palais Epstein in Vienna. NEOS leader said on her arrival: "I am delighted that things are starting!" Her clear goal is to reach an agreement.

Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) expected "proper talks". He described the new three-party format as "good".

Nehammer and SPÖ leader Andreas Babler are aiming for a three-party agreement, as two parties would only have one mandate overhang in the National Council.

The ÖVP negotiating team around Karl Nehammer(Bild: APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER)

SPÖ leader Andreas Babler and his negotiating team(Bild: APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER)

NEOS get an overview at the start
The NEOS are to be given a complete budget overview on Wednesday. In addition, the further procedure is to be clarified organizationally. Meinl-Reisinger wanted to clarify how to "move forward".

In addition to Meinl-Reisinger, the NEOS team also includes Claudia Gamon and Christoph Wiederkehr, General Secretary Douglas Hoyos, Club Vice President Nikolaus Scherak and Club Director Armin Hübner.

Negotiations could start next week
Negotiations will continue into the late afternoon on Wednesday. After that there will be no joint statement, but written statements. Talks will continue on Thursday at 1.30 pm. If Nehammer has his way, real government negotiations could begin as early as the beginning of next week.