On Thursday, Minister Gewessler may face a motion of no confidence
The National Council is finishing its sessions before the summer break, and the FPÖ plans to table a motion of no confidence against Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler. This is happening against the backdrop of a tense coalition situation caused by Gewessler's approval of the EU renaturation regulation.
Despite the efforts of the ÖVP and the Greens to demonstrate unity, it became clear during the parliamentary debate that the coalition relationship is seriously strained. Critical statements and discussions between MPs from different parties, especially between Green MPs and the ÖVP, illustrate the tensions.
The ÖVP reacted to Gewessler's solo action by filing a complaint for abuse of office and an action for annulment. Nevertheless, Chancellor Nehammer stressed the need to maintain the coalition, although he spoke of a "breach of the law".
The FPÖ plans to table the motion of no confidence based on Gewessler's decision on the renaturation ordinance. Although the FPÖ is demanding the approval of the ÖVP representatives, a majority against the motion is likely. The SPÖ also signaled its opposition to the motion, while the Neos have not yet taken a clear position.
Motions of no confidence are a common tool in Austrian politics, but they are rarely successful. Only one motion of no confidence has so far led to the fall of a government in the Second Republic. This happened in 2019 after the coalition between the ÖVP and FPÖ broke up due to the Ibiza scandal.
Source: die-nachrichten.at
