Grand Cabinet

First government of ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS is in place!

SPÖ leader Andreas Babler, ÖVP leader Christian Stocker and NEOS federal party leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger presented their government program on Thursday.

(Bild: HANS KLAUS TECHT)

The ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS have agreed on a three-party coalition at the second attempt. The government program was presented by the three party leaders in parliament on Thursday afternoon. 

The most important points in a nutshell:

• On 210 pages: This is what the turquoise-red-pink government program says.

  Tough measures are announced in the area of asylum, for example.

• The future ÖVP-SPÖ-NEOS federal government will consist of a total of 14 ministers and seven state secretariats.

  Almost all ministries have already been allocated. 

• ÖVP leader Christian Stocker revealed that the agreement had been reached according to a deeply Austrian principle: 'By talking, people come together'."

• SPÖ leader Andreas Babler emphasized that the budget was balanced. "That gives us room to invest.

• Beate Meinl-Reisinger cited the upgrading of elementary education with a second compulsory year of kindergarten as particularly important for the NEOS. In budgetary terms, it would now be two tough years. 

Andreas Babler (SPÖ), Christian Stocker (ÖVP) and Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS)

(Bild: APA/MAX SLOVENCIK)

"Do the right thing now. For Austria"
Stocker began by emphasizing that these were perhaps the most difficult government negotiations in Austria's history. However, a breakthrough had now been achieved. "Everyone in Austria is making their fair contribution to this package," Stocker emphasized.

It's about red-white-red, it's about nine million people."

ÖVP-Chef Christian Stocker

The division of the ministries

• ÖVP:
  Federal Chancellery
  Federal Ministry of the Interior
  Federal Ministry of Defense
  Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism
  Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management
  State Secretariat in the Federal Chancellery
  State Secretariat at the Federal Ministry of Finance
  State Secretariat in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism
• SPÖ:
  Federal Ministry of Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport
  Federal Ministry of Finance
  Federal Ministry of Justice
  Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research
  Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology
  Federal Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection
  Consumer Protection
  State Secretariat in the Federal Ministry of Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport
  Sports
  State Secretariat at the Federal Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection
  and Consumer Protection
  State Secretariat at the Federal Ministry of the Interior
• NEOS:
  Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs
  Federal Ministry of Education
  State Secretariat in the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs

The headline of the government program is: "Doing the right thing now. For Austria." Stocker emphasized the importance of the "constructive forces" that have shaped Austria's history. Whether in joining the EU or in solving crises such as the banking crisis many years ago.

Without naming him, Stocker also criticized FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, who had evaded responsibility. In contrast to the current alliance. "It's about red-white-red, it's about nine million people." A stable and capable government should be formed. This is important because of many international challenges such as the war in Ukraine. Solutions are also needed in the area of migration.

Stocker: "The result is a very good one"
There was no attempt to negotiate each other down to "minimum compromises". On the contrary. "The result is a very good one," said Stocker. Performance should be encouraged. There should be an employee bonus. Working in old age should become more attractive. Overtime should "naturally" be relieved. The coalition is committed to a strong business location and wants to reduce non-wage labor costs as soon as possible.

Headscarf ban for underage girls
Stocker also mentioned an integration year for refugees from day one. There should also be a ban on headscarves for girls under the age of consent. Stocker also announced that family reunification in the area of asylum would be "temporarily suspended with immediate effect". The coalition partners also reserve the right to impose an asylum freeze should the number of asylum applications increase. The three parties have also agreed to expand childcare.

Babler proud: "Kickl prevented"
SPÖ leader Andreas Babler was "happy and proud" to be standing here with Stocker and Meinl-Reisinger. They had prevented FPÖ leader Kickl from becoming chancellor and thus protected the democratic institutions in Austria. A "compromise" had been reached. This is a "tried and tested virtue in Austria". Babler cited the reconstruction of the republic after 1945 and the management of the financial crisis. Even now there are enough problems in Austria. "This government provides answers to these problems".

SPÖ leader Andreas Babler

(Bild: TOBIAS STEINMAURER)

The budget would be restructured in a more balanced way than the FPÖ and ÖVP had planned in their negotiations. In crises, however, there will always be winners. The motto is: "Broader shoulders will be able to bear broader burdens". Babler mentioned banks, energy providers, foundations, etc., who would also have to make their contribution.

People don't have to worry about politics. As politicians, we have to worry about the people.

SPÖ-Chef Andreas Babler

"The rents will be stopped"
A transformation fund would make the domestic economy more climate-friendly and modern. The issue of skilled workers is also an important one. The aim is to improve the employment situation. Babler was pleased to "finally relieve the burden on Austrians". This is particularly the case when it comes to rents. Rents would be stopped for a year and then curbed. High inflation would not be able to cause extremely rising rents. In addition, the minimum lease term for apartments will increase from three to five years.

Meinl-Reisinger: "This program provides answers"
In her speech, NEOS leader Meinl-Reisinger emphasized the importance of balance and consensus. The negotiations were not about winners and losers. It is about reflecting the different values of the people in the government. "I promise you, this program provides answers. Because we know we have to deliver."

According to her, education is the country's "raw material". There will therefore be a second compulsory year of kindergarten. In addition, there should be a separate school subject for democracy in order to teach the relevant values. In terms of the budget, Meinl-Reisinger admitted: "These will be tough years." 

Guesswork over ministerial names
For the time being, it is likely to remain unclear who will hold which ministerial post. The ministerial posts must first be finalized within the party in the coming days. The parties will refer the nominations to their respective committees. The SPÖ committee meets on Friday.

Hanke likely to become infrastructure minister
Peter Hanke (SPÖ), the Vienna City Councillor for Finance, who has been considered for the position of Finance Minister, is more likely to become head of the Infrastructure Ministry. He had been asked and he would do it, said a spokesman. 

Peter Hanke

(Bild: Zwefo)

Inauguration already on Monday?
Next Monday is still considered a possible date for the inauguration of the new federal government. The prerequisite for this is that the party committees give the green light for the coalition pact. The NEOS have to overcome the biggest hurdle within the party, as the final decision for the Pinks will be made at a general meeting on Sunday. A two-thirds majority is required for the coalition agreement to be accepted.