Coalition talks

Only Salzburg’s blue party is negotiating in Vienna

Salzburg's ÖVP is not represented in the blue-black talks.(Bild: ROLAND SCHLAGER)

Salzburg's ÖVP is not represented in the blue-black talks. This was different when the black-red-pink parties were negotiating. In contrast, even Salzburg's party leader is negotiating with the FPÖ.

This week, the coalition negotiations between the FPÖ and ÖVP in Vienna are picking up speed. Now that the budget framework has been defined, the detailed work is being carried out in 13 subgroups. What is striking: Salzburg is only represented on the FPÖ side. This was not the case in the extensive black-red-pink negotiations before. However, no one from Salzburg is now involved in the ÖVP.

In contrast, Salzburg's party leader Marlene Svazek is negotiating on behalf of the FPÖ. She sits in the group for agriculture and environmental protection. FPÖ National Councillor Volker Reifenberger is negotiating the area of national defense and sport. The 45-year-old notary also has an outside chance of becoming Minister of Defense. However, it is still unclear which party will get this portfolio.

His party leader Svazek has already ruled out a move to Vienna. Stefan Schnöll recently did the same on the ÖVP side when asked by "Krone". It is therefore possible that there will be no member from Salzburg in the next federal government.