According to Salzburger Nachrichten the chancellor dilemma is far from resolved:
“Herbert Kickl is in a comfortable position. If the black and red parties [ÖVP and SPÖ] fail in their negotiations, he could still fulfil his dream of becoming chancellor. If, on the other hand, black and red reach an agreement on a government, Kickl can cast himself as a martyr of the evil cartel and system parties that robbed him of the chancellor’s seat despite his clear election victory. Kickl may even prefer this option because it will be far better for maximising votes than taking the chancellor’s seat at a time when there are no gifts to hand out.”