VIENNA, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPO) and the conservative People's Party (OVP) denied on Tuesday that their talks on forming a government had collapsed, despite media reports suggesting a pause. However, the OVP acknowledged they were facing a "difficult phase".
Reports by tabloid media outlets Heute and oe24 about a possible halt in negotiations, swiftly responded to by the parties, highlighted the fragile nature of the ongoing talks. Negotiators mentioned various persistent obstacles hindering a potential agreement that would result in Austria's first government led by the FPO.
"The talks have not been terminated. The OVP is currently engaged in internal discussions, a common occurrence in negotiations," stated the eurosceptic, Russia-friendly FPO on the social media platform X, dismissing the reports as a "hoax" and expressing readiness to resume discussions: "We can continue (the talks) tomorrow."
Following the FPO's victory in September's elections with approximately 29% of the vote, FPO leader Herbert Kickl was tasked last month with forming a new government after a failed attempt to establish a centrist ruling coalition excluding the FPO.
Shortly thereafter, the OVP released a statement confirming that negotiators were scheduled to resume discussions on Wednesday.
"The negotiations for establishing a new government are facing challenges. The OVP remains engaged in ongoing talks," stated the OVP.
Simultaneously, a group of thousands opposing the potential coalition marched from the chancellor's office to the nearby OVP headquarters, displaying banners with messages like "Not again" and "Kickl is a radical conspiracy theorist."
According to newspaper Der Standard, the FPO had demanded during the negotiations that the chancellor's office, to be headed by Kickl, oversee constitutional and European Union matters, as well as media – a stance unacceptable to the OVP. Additionally, the FPO sought control over the influential finance and interior ministries.
The OVP commented that the key issues raised at the beginning of the negotiations – such as Austria's EU membership and the preservation of independent media – remained crucial to their stance.