Tyrolean FPÖ chief Abwerzger considers FPÖ solo government possible and demands veto against EU projects

The background to the initiative is the conflict over transit traffic through Tyrol that has been smoldering for years. Local residents and state politicians complain about noise, air pollution, and congestion caused by cross-Alpine truck traffic. A definitive solution, such as a shift to rail or a restriction of transit journeys, is not yet in sight.

In addition to the European policy demand, Abwerzger also commented on the domestic political situation in Austria. He considered an FPÖ solo government possible if the party emerged as the strongest force in an upcoming National Council election. Such an "absolute majority" would be a novelty in the Second Republic at the federal level, since governments have always been formed as coalitions until now.

Praise for Kurz and view of federal politics

At the same time, Abwerzger found words of praise for former Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. He honored his political profile and referred to his time in government, during which the ÖVP under Kurz had achieved electoral victories. The exact reasoning for the praise cannot be clearly discerned from the available sources; it was made in the context of a discussion about strategic options for the FPÖ.

Tyrolean Governor Anton Mattle (ÖVP) was also mentioned in this context. Abwerzger advocated that state politics and the federal government work together to reduce transit traffic. So far, the federal government, the state, and the EU Commission have not been able to agree on an effective package of measures.

The SPÖ plays a minor role in the available reports. However, Abwerzger used the opportunity to suggest a broad bourgeois majority beyond the Social Democrats. He indicated that cooperation between the FPÖ and ÖVP at the federal level would be conceivable from his perspective if voters were to mandate this.

Reactions from Vienna and Brussels still pending

Observers interpret Abwerzger's appearance as an attempt to position the FPÖ in Tyrol as the driving force on the transit issue. At the same time, with his commitment to a possible solo government, he is sending a signal to the federal party under Herbert Kickl that points to a self-confident leadership claim by the state branch.

It remains unclear how the federal government under Stocker will react to the veto demand. No statement was initially available from the Federal Chancellery. The EU Commission has also not yet commented on the latest initiatives from Tyrol. The next meetings of the European Council will show whether the issue will be placed on the agenda.

What is certain is that the transit issue continues to shape the political climate in Tyrol. Citizens' initiatives, chambers of commerce, and tourism representatives have been demanding noticeable relief for the Inn Valley and Brenner motorways for years. If the burden does not change, the issue is likely to play a central role in the 2026/27 election campaign as well.