Emerging Partnerships Reshaping Political Landscape
Riding the Emotional Rollercoaster: An Inside Look at the Vienna Elections' Impact on Ludwig, Babler, Kickl, and crew
It was a whirlwind of feelings for the Reds. Predictions were tossed around for hours indicating a meager 37 percent. However, once the initial projections were in, it seemed Ludwig had snagged over 39 percent. This loss is considerably less compared to their counterparts in Lower Austria, Carinthia, and Burgenland, with a drop from 42 percent in 2020 for Ludwig.
Reds' "Pragmatic Course" Strikes Back at the Blues
Internally, the Vienna Reds made it clear that this "pragmatic course" kept the Blues somewhat in check. Furthermore, Ludwig will find solace in the fact that he now has several potential partners to choose from for a coalition.
However, this victory may pose some discomfort for SPOE chairman and Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler, as Reds may point out that a "centrist course" would result in greater success. And with the coalition options on the table, one cannot help but wonder which path Ludwig will take. A NEOS coalition seems likely, due to past collaborations, and negotiations between the parties are currently ongoing.
City Blues Triple Their Results but Fall Short of Glory
All polls had predicted a tripling in the Blues' results, but the Freedom Party of Dominik Nepp only managed to obtain 12 percent in Vienna's last election in 2020 - following Ibiza and the split from Strache. Despite achieving the largest gain in history, the city Blues still couldn't reach the over 30 percent they boasted in 2015.
Nepp and FPÖ boss Herbert Kickl are left feeling bitter by the election results, as the FPÖ ended up below the blues' result in the National Council election in Vienna. Regardless, it's a win, albeit fraught with disappointment from within their ranks, who initially thought they could secure 25 percent in Vienna.
ÖVP Takes a Hit, Keeps Push for Co-governance
While the ÖVP took a heavy hit, and failed to reach double digits, Chancellor Christian Stocker is unfazed. Apart from the realization that many in the ÖVP blame Him for the poorer than expected results, the outcomes do little to cause him concern. Despite this, the Vienna ÖVP is aggressively pursuing a government partnership with the SPOE.
The Greens also have their eyes set on a government partnership with the Reds. Originally ousted from the federal government, they seek to make a comeback in Vienna. Vienna Reds told oe24 that the Greens were "almost uncomfortably eager" to cooperate. However, within the SPOE, certain inner-city districts prefer the Greens, while others are hesitant about their return.
Greens and Reds: A Heartbeat Away from a Coalition
For the Greens, Sunday's outcome was just as nerve-wracking as for their coalition partner SPÖ. For hours, it appeared that a red-pink alliance was no longer viable. Nevertheless, the first projection before 7 pm gave the green light. The city Greens could, theoretically, once more form a coalition with the Vienna SPÖ.
Whether new alliances will emerge remains to be seen. And what are the repercussions for the parties? The Reds realize that discussing health rather than asylum is beneficial. The ÖVP recognizes that their "asylum campaign" didn't sway any votes. And the FPÖ understands that immigration has limits.
In the realm of policy-and-legislation, the Reds' "pragmatic course" may prompt debates with SPOE chairman Andreas Babler, as the Reds could argue that a centrist course would lead to greater success, contrasting with their current situation.
The general-news narrative is shaping up around coalition possibilities, with NEOS and Greens being potential partners for the Vienna Reds, making the political scene a complex chess game as these negotiations unfold.
