In his latest offer to the ÖVP Wednesday, Kickl offered it more ministries than his own party would get, though insisting on the key posts of interior and finance. In its counteroffer, the ÖVP wanted to keep the finance and interior ministries, but offered the FPÖ the asylum and migration portfolios — an offer Kickl subsequently rejected.
Van der Bellen could now appoint a technocratic government — or Austria could be poised for a new election.
Another possibility remains: that the ÖVP resume coalition talks (which first broke down in early January) with the Social Democratic Party, the Greens and the liberal NEOS party — all three have signaled their willingness to again speak with the ÖVP, according to public broadcaster ORF.
