"Krone" commentary

Blue Christmas – and a blue year 2025?

Letter to "Krone" readers: Klaus Herrmann, Managing Editor-in-Chief

(Bild: stock.adobe.com, Krone KREATIV)

A white Christmas? Unfortunately, in many parts of Austria it's more likely to be green.

Politically, however, the color theory in the country looks different. A turquoise, red and pink Christmas is not on the cards. Twelve weeks after the National Council elections, the ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS are still tinkering with the candy coalition - after the theatrical thunder on Friday. But the Christmas tree is still a long way from being decorated. Doubts remain as to whether this coalition will ever materialize, and expectations of this possible government are sinking.

While the National Council election loser parties ÖVP and SPÖ and the "one bit winner" NEOS are taking their time, they continue to lose, as the survey we have published dramatically underlines: the ÖVP continues to plummet in voter favor, the SPÖ remains stable at best - at the lowest level - and the NEOS are close to their election result.

So where are the votes going? To the FPÖ, which already emerged victorious from the elections on September 29 with just under 29 percent and then in Styria with almost 35 percent (see Bischofberger interview with the new FPÖ state governor Kunasek), it is once again making dramatic gains and is approaching the 40 percent mark.

Should we be surprised? No. We should only be surprised if the blue Christmas is not followed by a blue year.

Have a nice Sunday with your "Krone"!