Before coalition negotiations: Government mandate for Kickl: The plans of the right-wing FPÖ leader

After receiving the order to form a government from Austria’s Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, the head of the right-wing FPÖ, Herbert Kickl, wants to publicly comment on his plans for the first time today. He has already drawn up a list of topics for coalition negotiations with the conservative ÖVP. These include a more restrictive asylum policy and steps against language regulations that are perceived as excessive. “No to censorship, woke and gender dictates,” says the paper.

In September, the EU-sceptic and Russia-friendly FPÖ won a parliamentary election for the first time. Now she has received a government contract for the first time and could take over the Chancellery for the first time. In between, the previous Chancellor Karl Nehammer tried in vain to forge a centrist government between his ÖVP, the liberal Neos and the social democratic SPÖ. The talks failed on Friday. A coalition between the ÖVP and SPÖ also failed to materialize.

At the weekend, the ÖVP made a U-turn and declared itself ready for government negotiations with the right-wing populists. Kickl had already presented priorities and topics for such discussions in October. As “immediate measures” public spending should be reduced – including social spending for migrants. Taxes for older workers and small businesses should be reduced quickly.

The thematic roadmap proposes an expansion of border protection under the keyword “Fortress Austria”. Recognized refugees should not be given the right to become Austrian citizens and the immigration of family members from abroad should be limited, it is said. In addition, consistent deportations for rejected asylum seekers are called for.

The ÖVP also stands for a restrictive migration policy. But on other issues the two parties would have to overcome major differences. In the paper, the FPÖ demands that Austria not take part in the planned European air defense system “Sky Shield”. The pro-European ÖVP has so far pursued this project.

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) will not be available as chief diplomat to a government with Kickl as chancellor, his spokeswoman confirmed on Monday evening. He stands by his rejection of working with the FPÖ leader – just like Nehammer. He announced in his podcast that he would resign as Chancellor as announced on Friday. It is not yet known who will take over the office on an interim basis until the next government is formed.