In times of inflation, Austria’s political leadership is deliberately frugal: Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (49) and his predecessor Alexander Schallenberg (53, both VP) left for the US on Monday morning. However, before boarding the plane, the Foreign Minister had to “wait” – because a long line formed in front of the check-in area. Chancellor Karl Nehammer also came to the counter later than planned – he still had to go to a special explosives check. Nehammer took it easy: “They obviously know that I have special military training”.

On the Boeing 777, they both sat in Premium Economy for more than nine hours and did so without a business class ticket. Extras for normal wood grade: food in ceramic plates and welcome drink. As reported by “Today”, the two attended the 77th UN General Assembly in New York.

Problem before departure – Delay of at least 30 minutes

Before the plane took off for New York City, there were some difficulties. Since the pilot missed the departure time window and the AUA engines couldn’t take off, he had to find a new route. As “today“, Chancellor and Foreign Minister will take off with a minimum delay of 30 minutes – 11:27 is the new start time. The flight time to the US metropolis is about 9.5 hours.

Van der Bellen only lasts 48 hours

This would be a true marathon program: Nehammer – for him this was his first trip to America as chancellor – stayed for 55 hours; Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen is just 48 years old. The head of state paid his last respects to the Queen in London on Monday with “First Lady” Doris Schmidauer, 58. He then traveled (without his wife) on a scheduled flight to NYC, where he was expected at 9:20 p.m. local time (3:20 p.m. in Vienna) and thus missed the delegation’s dinner. As in previous years, the Austrian restaurant “Schilling” not far from Broadway was chosen.

Nehammer meets the Mayor of NY

“Today” has all the backstage information for New York’s “Political School Country Week”.

Separate accommodation Van der Bellen, Nehammer and Schallenberg stayed in three different hotels.

Marathon talks for foreign ministers Ten bilateral talks with his counterparts are pending. Schallenberg, who spent the first years of his life in India as the son of a diplomat, met Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar for the fourth time (!) this year. Topic: the Russian war and its global impact. India has recently sharpened its tone towards Russia.

who spoke when Traditionally, Brazil was the first country to be allowed to deliver a speech at the General Assembly. Followed by the US. However, because President Joe Biden – like VdB – was present at the Queen’s funeral on Monday, he will only give his speech on Wednesday morning. Senegal replaced him.

Schallenberg holds a speech for Austria Thanks to his good reputation on the international stage, his turn on Thursday (between 7pm and 8pm West Coast time) will be his turn as the first foreign minister after head of government. In front of him: the Prime Minister of Guinea, right behind him: Mexico’s Foreign Minister. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov was not allowed to work until Saturday afternoon – by which time the Austrian political delegation had long since returned to Vienna.

Who is sitting where? Seating arrangements in the General Assembly Hall are traditionally drawn: Belize has secured first place in the first row this year, the remaining nations (C, D, E, … until you return to A) following the English alphabet. Thus, Austria sits far behind this year – between Azerbaijan and Australia in the last row.

And vice versa? Nehammer has scheduled several bilateral talks Tuesday and Wednesday – including with the heads of government of Iraq and Pakistan and the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić. Nehammer meets New York Mayor Eric Adams. Also: Meeting with Henry Kissinger and Rabbi Arthur Schneier, granting citizenship to descendants of Holocaust expulsions at the Consulate General.

All eyes on Erdogan’s talk One bilateral conversation stands out for Van der Bellen: He will exchange views with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Also: Our Head of State met with UN Secretary General António Guterres, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (Kazakhstan) and President Maia Sandu (Moldova). Shortly before his flight home Wednesday night, he was snowing past the American Museum of Natural History at US President Joe Biden’s reception. A welcome photo for an election campaign: VdB aligns with the world’s ruling.

“AUA-Force one” is waiting at Kennedy Airport Nehammer and Van der Bellen traveled back to Austria on Wednesday evening. The jet became a kind of “AUA-Force one” – the head of state and head of government flew on the same engine. Secretary of State Schallenberg will remain in New York until Friday.