Nehammer was not particularly euphoric in his statement after the talks with Babler. In any case, Austria needs "change and reforms" in order to meet the challenges of the future. 

Major differences in content to be overcome
Will this work with the SPÖ? In any case, it will be a "long, rocky road until we actually reach our goal", he alluded to the differences in content, which are likely to be quite far apart on many points.

"You know my credo: there must not and will not be any more business as usual," Nehammer continued, immediately naming the most important topics that will be the focus of the upcoming negotiations with the potential partners.

Details could become a sticking point
Like the SPÖ, he mentioned location policy and competitiveness. The aim here is to secure jobs for the future, but also to create new ones. In the area of migration and integration, the Chancellor is concerned that the measures taken to date are far from enough. The aim is to stop immigration into the social system while still maintaining orderly access to the labor market.

In addition, the topics of affordable living and housing as well as the challenges in the health and care system are also crucial for a future government agreement.

Babler speaks of a "good mood"
Babler's analysis was not all that different: "We don't want to continue as before, but we don't want to go back to the past either," the SP chairman emphasized. And: "Nobody needs a government that argues and doesn't solve problems."

Overall, he summed up the first round of exploratory talks with the ÖVP quite optimistically in a separate press conference: "I am positive that the negotiations can lead to a government." However, he qualified that today's meeting was primarily characterized by the atmosphere. The outcome is therefore open.

NEOS want to govern, but not at any price
The statement by NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger after her meeting with Nehammer on Friday evening was also fitting. She said she was glad that there now seemed to be a general consensus that things could not go on as before. She perceived a "very trusting" conversation. Now it's time for the ÖVP and SPÖ to sort themselves out.

Kogler tries to stay in contact
"In any case, we will not close ourselves off to possible negotiations on cooperation in a government," said Green Party spokesperson Werner Kogler. The talks with Nehammer were "characterized by mutual appreciation and trust". A constructive, trusting exchange between the Greens, ÖVP, SPÖ and also the NEOS was of course also important to him in the new legislative period.

Who will be third in the coalition?
The ÖVP and SPÖ will probably need a third partner to secure the government. Since the FPÖ under Herbert Kickl is not a serious possibility for anyone, the only remaining options are the NEOS or the Greens - Nehammer also wants to talk to them on Friday. However, the Chancellor remained vague on the question of who would actually be allowed to join the government. In any case, he wants to remain in dialog with both parties.

According to Nehammer, the aim is to form a viable government and appropriate solutions must now be found. 

This article has been automatically translated,
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