European elections: speculation and Italian electoral assistance

European elections: speculation and Italian electoral badistance

VIENNA / BRUSSELS. ÖVP and FPÖ do not yet want to engage with their top candidates in the May elections.

Karas as possible commissioner? An image: VOLKER WEIHBOLD

The rumor continues to circulate: Othmar Karas does not become the first candidate for the vice-presidency, but should become the European Commissioner. And neither Karas nor his spokesperson are tired to emphasize: "It is only after the presidency of the EU Council that the decision on the best candidates and the federal list will be announced" . The decision is made by the Vice-President of the Federal Executive Council. Karas himself points out that he wants to decide himself during the Christmas holidays whether he will participate in the competition or not.

Nobody is worried that the European Union – for whatever reason – is no longer interested in the longtime member of the European Parliament. However, Karas is already several times infected with various statements within the ÖVP: he opposes the reduction of family allowances for children abroad and accuses Austria of not not sign the United Nations pact on migration. He stands out very clearly from the coalition partner, the FPÖ, more recently in OÖN's interview: "I am not part of a coalition with the FPÖ and I will make it clear every day that this party wants a different Europe. "

Therefore, it is also more than doubtful that the FPÖ accepts the appointment of Karas as Commissioner of the EU. It is also badumed that the Karas could compete with their own list. The weather could be short.

Edtstadler: too unknown

State Secretary Karoline Edtstadler is repeatedly named as vice-presidential candidate. But she should have refused. As far as VPs are concerned, it is said that their notoriety is anyway too weak to be able to participate in this election as first listener.

This is one of the reasons that militate in favor of Karas: he has always received by far the greatest number of votes in previous European elections. Renouncing this potential for mobilization could be risky in an already weak election.

The last word may have not yet been delivered: the talks between Karas and Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (Vice-President) were numerous and intensive – in Helsinki at the EPP meeting.

Harald Vilimsky, Secretary General of the PF and Head of Delegation to the European Parliament, did not comment on whether Karas would be conceivable, given that the Commissioner is elected.

Even with the question of who is the best blue candidate, one is reluctant: "We are looking for who else is sending in the race." The decision on this and a meeting under the leadership of Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini falls in January, according to Vilimsky. Although there is the idea of ​​using Salvini as "face of an international movement" on the posters in Austria, it would not be seen.

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