Review of political developments: Failed negotiations and the start of new talks

Austria's changing political landscape

The negotiations between the parties, which took place behind closed doors for over three months, ended abruptly with the withdrawal of the NEOS. Shortly afterwards, the ÖVP also withdrew from the coalition negotiations. What followed was an undignified spectacle of mutual recriminations and a refusal to take responsibility for the fundamental values of the rule of law and liberal democracy. Party tactics and ideological convictions were apparently more important than protecting the republic as such. This step left a political vacuum that the FPÖ - a party known for right-wing extremism, agitation, populist rhetoric, friendship with authoritarian systems such as in Russia or China, but an explicit hostility towards the idea of European unification and the EU as such - now threatens to fill. For many Austrians and everyone living in the country, this outcome signalled increasing instability and led to growing uncertainty about the future direction of the country.

If you also consider that a full three months were spent ‘negotiating’ with each other without the participation of the public (without transparency) before arriving at the present ‘result’, the anger of large sections of the population is quite understandable and the resulting angry reaction: the pressure on the self-destruct button labelled ‘FPÖ’. So far, however, the only reaction of established politicians has been to point hysterically (mutually) at those who supposedly made this decision instead of making an attractive counter-offer. Now, of course, the voters of the FPÖ see themselves confirmed in their opinion that this ‘system’ should be dismantled. Volt would therefore like to offer a counter-narrative: Good offers for a better future for all people in Austria, without moralising but building bridges to those who have been left behind and now see no other way out than to follow those offers that ultimately only harm themselves.

Karoline Adam, Co-President of Volt Austria, commented on the events:

The failed negotiations provided the FPÖ with a golden opportunity. The mutual recriminations and lack of responsibility on the part of those involved have further shaken citizens' trust in the established parties. Instead of presenting clear visions and solutions, an image of power games and system failure was conveyed - precisely the narratives that empower populists like Herbert Kickl.

The start of the ÖVP-FPÖ coalition talks

The ÖVP's announcement that it will enter into talks with the FPÖ raises the question of Austria's future political direction. Volt Austria urgently warns of the dangers of far-right government participation, but recognises the realities and calls on the ÖVP to set clear red lines:

• The guarantee of Austria's EU membership.

• The protection of human and civil rights.

• The exclusion of hatred, agitation and populist divisive politics.

• The preservation of press freedom and free media.

A coalition that fails to protect these fundamental values risks not only Austria's social cohesion, but also its position in Europe.

What Volt Austria demands

Volt Austria sees the current developments as an opportunity to break new ground in politics. Instead of populist bogus solutions, we need a policy that is sustainable, inclusive and forward-looking. There is no doubt that the Republic of Austria, Europe and the future federal Europe are facing major challenges.

We demand:

• Transparency and proximity to citizens: People must be able to regain trust in politics. Decisions must not be made behind closed doors.

• Reforms instead of regression: We are calling for a fundamental modernisation of the state budget that prioritises investment in climate protection, education and social security. Apparently, the issue of modernising the state budget was also a major stumbling block in the failed negotiations. There is no doubt that ideological differences also stood in the way of a solution. There would have been ways to objectively assess the situation and answer key questions in order to reach an agreement.

• A progressive EU policy: Austria needs a strong voice in Europe that is in favour of flexible and modern budgetary rules and a sustainable economic system

An appeal to the citizens

Volt Austria calls on all people in Austria to remain active and work towards an open, just and European future. The political landscape is at a turning point and it is up to all of us to pave the way for a better future - without hatred, hate speech and marginalisation.