Austria experienced a fairly ‘calm’ coalition over the past four years between the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the Greens. However, in recent months, the two coalition partners have clashed over the (European) Nature Restoration Law, the Soil Protection Law, and EU regulations for improved air and water quality.
In prior periods, the ÖVP formed coalitions with the far-right FPÖ and the left-wing SPÖ, but all those collaborations fell apart prematurely due to political disagreements. The current coalition largely completed its term but eventually stumbled after the new elections had already been called.
Partly due to the recently disturbed relationships, the question now looms over the electorate whether the ÖVP will once again team up with the Greens or return to a coalition with FPÖ or SPÖ.
Climate change and sustainability are topics primarily placed on the agenda by the Greens. Other parties, such as the ÖVP, are more cautious when it comes to radical short-term reforms. They warn that overly strict climate measures could jeopardize the economic stability of the agricultural sector.
One of the most discussed subjects is the use of pesticides in agriculture. The Greens have spoken out in favor of a significant reduction in pesticide use. The ÖVP (Österreichische Volkspartei), traditionally a strong ally of the agricultural sector, advocates caution in implementing such measures.
The ÖVP emphasizes the importance of stability and predictable policies for farming families. According to Chancellor Karl Nehammer, farmers need political support to face the challenges of climate change and globalization.
This approach receives criticism from an alternative ‘agrarian’ party, the MFG (Menschen-Freiheit-Grundrechte). That party, whose members are mostly organic farmers, accuses the ÖVP of “clientelism.” According to MFG, the ÖVP primarily focuses on protecting the interests of large agro-corporations, while smaller farming families are increasingly under pressure.
The role of the European Union is another hot-button issue in the election campaigns. Austrian parties are divided on how to handle Brussels’ influence on national agriculture. MFG clearly opposes EU interference and calls the current EU agricultural policy a “dictate.” According to the party, Austrian farmers should become less dependent on European subsidies and regulations and be given more autonomy to operate independently.
By contrast, the ÖVP, Greens, and SPÖ see benefits in close cooperation with the EU. They point out that Austria, as a member state of the European Union, benefits from access to the European market and that a strong position within the EU is necessary to protect Austrian products and maintain export opportunities.