Van der Bellen Continues Talks on New Government

Van der Bellen Continues Talks on New Government

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen meeting with NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger at the Hofburg on October 8. Image: APA/Roland Schlager

 

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen is continuing his talks with party leaders on Tuesday, following last month’s parliamentary elections.

Beate Meinl-Reisinger, leader of the liberal NEOS party, was the first to meet the president at the Hofburg this morning. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, she said their discussion had been driven by “a forward-looking vision but also concern,” particularly regarding Austria’s economic and budgetary challenges. She emphasised that all parties share responsibility in addressing these issues.

Van der Bellen is also set to meet Werner Kogler, head of the Green Party, later today.

In Austria, the president is responsible for tasking party leaders with forming a government after elections.

Tuesday’s meetings follow Monday’s discussions with Austrian Chancellor and leader of the People’s Party (ÖVP), Karl Nehammer, and Social Democrat (SPÖ) leader Andreas Babler. Both leaders described their conversations with the president as “trusting” and are expected to meet later for informal talks.

Speculation is growing over whether Van der Bellen will entrust the FPÖ with the task of forming a government, after its historic victory in the September 29 elections.

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