“Federal ÖVP should take the Styrian way of trusting cooperation as a role model!”

The Styrian governor and deputy FPÖ federal party chairman Mario Kunasek today urged the ÖVP to be sensible. As can be seen from various media reports, the managing director of the federal ÖVP, Christian Stocker, told the FPÖ during a press conference that it should “move from the right edge to the center”. In doing so, Stocker is not only making an inadmissible assessment of the Freedom Party’s position, but is also endangering the basis for constructive coalition negotiations to form a common federal government. “Serious negotiations include both partners exchanging views in confidential discussions and not communicating their positions through the media and other third parties. The ÖVP must also learn at the federal level to accept election results and realize that it is no longer the strongest force in this country and must therefore be prepared to compromise. It is understandable that, in view of his upcoming election as federal chairman of the ÖVP at the end of March, Stocker is trying to position himself with high-profile edges against the Freedom Party. However, party tactical considerations must never take precedence over the well-being of Austria,” said FPÖ state party chairman and governor of Styria, Mario Kunasek, in a reaction to Stocker’s rumored statements. “We completely avoided this style during the government negotiations in Styria and, out of responsibility towards the Styrians, we always negotiated constructively with the Styrian People’s Party. This new Styrian path has made it possible to work together to develop a sustainable working agreement within a very short space of time and thus move on to working for Styria as quickly as possible. The ÖVP should also use this constructive approach to cooperation as a model at the federal level, because due to the failed, lengthy negotiations with the SPÖ and the NEOS, it is high time for a future federal government to take responsibility as quickly as possible and lead this country into a better future for all Austrians,” Mario Kunasek concluded in an appeal to the federal ÖVP.