In contrast to the talks with the FP, SP and Greens, however, it is not a question of exploring possible coalitions, since black and pink do not have a majority in the new state parliament. The NEOS wanted to “explore overlaps”.
The designated club chairman Felix Eypeltauer sees some similarities with the VP and referred to the coalition in the neighboring state of Salzburg. In Upper Austria they want to work, even if as an opposition, “if they let us work”, he alluded at the same time to what he saw as a necessary “democracy update”.
Just like the MFG, the NEOS are newcomers in the state parliament. However, they only have two seats, which is why their group alone cannot table motions as this requires the signature of three Members. An automatic right to apply when club status was achieved was therefore just as much on the pink topic sheet as the strengthening of the opposition’s control rights. In Upper Austria you need a majority shelling in the state parliament to set up a U-Committee. Eypeltauer also expected that, following the “custom”, the smallest party in the state parliament, and thus the NEOS, would be chair of the control committee.
He was accompanied to the country house by election campaign leader Julian Steiner, Julia Bammer – she won the second state parliament mandate – and the new state manager Johannes Egger. Support also came from the Federal Party, Federal Managing Director Robert Luschnik and Secretary General Douglas Hoyos were also there.
VP regional managing director Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer was delighted with “the visit from Vienna”, but at the same time made it clear that the discussions were “the focus on Upper Austria”. For the VP, the meeting with the NEOS was primarily due to decency. LH Thomas Stelzer had declared that he wanted to talk to all parties represented in the state parliament.
The blacks are already setting the pace in forming a government. After Monday morning the state party executive wants to decide with whom coalition negotiations will begin first, these should begin quickly. The first offer is likely to go to the FP, a new edition of Black-Blue is currently most likely – despite the concerns of some black mayors.
