"Krone" commentary

Government not until 2025? Not like that, Mr. President!

Alexander Van der Bellen, the always authentically civic-minded federal great-uncle

(Bild: AFP)

Why the everyday stress of Christmas and comparisons with the past should not be an excuse: We need a new government quickly. Very quickly.

The federal great-uncle in the Hofburg, who is always authentically close to the people, is not only giving himself time, but also the potential government. But in the new year it should be in place, the candy coalition. No false haste, is Alexander Van der Bellen's message.

With respect: not like that, Mr. President. Not like that, esteemed party leaders. Yes, getting things done "quickly" before Christmas can sometimes lead to stress and sloppiness in everyday life. Yes, past coalitions (as of December 11) took even more time than the future one with its mass subgroup meetings.

Commenting on the current political situation: "Krone" super press officer Rainer Nowak

(Bild: Reinhard Holl, Krone KREATIV)

But government negotiations are not part of everyday life, nor are these times comparable to previous ones: The country is not only in a deep economic slump, but is also very heavily in debt. The need for action and decision-making could not be greater. Especially as, figuratively speaking, Herbert Kickl is lurking outside the door of the Hofburg, who, thanks to the FPÖ election results, would have greater democratic legitimacy to form a government than the other three party leaders individually.

In other words: the three parties, some of which are already weakening in the polls before they even sit together in a government, have no time to lose. They must reach a deal quickly if they want to ensure a possible positive jolt in the country. If necessary, between the holidays. No matter what the president mumbles, as always sympathetically.