"Krone" commentary

Blue-black sandbox – until the tears flow

Herbert Kickl and Christian Stocker have set themselves in concrete, writes Klaus Herrmann, Managing Editor-in-Chief of the "Krone".

(Bild: APA/WERNER KERSCHBAUMMAYR Martin A. Jöchl Krone KREATIV,)

In political parlance, they call it "red lines" when they don't want to leave their position in negotiations.

In the (childish or childish) sandbox, this means: "No, you're not getting my scoop!"

Which - in the sandpit - usually follows: People get loud, throw sand (sometimes in the eyes of onlookers), hit each other with shovels and rakes. Tears flow. In the end, they fall out. Or they make up after all.

All of these sandbox associations are coming to the fore these days in the apparently escalating battle between the blue and black coalition negotiators. They even lead us to believe that they are not only working with water and sand, but also with cement. We know what this mixture produces: concrete.

(Bild: Krone KREATIV)

Both sides of the coalition negotiators have now reached a point where there seems to be no more room for maneuver. They have set themselves in concrete.

If anything is to come of the blue-black coalition, then both sides will probably have to make the concrete crumble, withdraw their shovels and sand buckets and move closer together.

Many who are currently observing the spectacle in the sandpit still believe this is possible.

But even if an agreement is reached: Fighting shovels and sand buckets will go with them to a blue-black government bench. To remain ready for action at all times.