After nearly five months of political deadlock, three of Austria’s major centrist parties are close to forming a coalition government. This coalition would bring together the conservative Austria’s People’s Party (OVP), Social Democrats (SPO), and liberal Neos, sidelining the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) which won the September national election. This development comes after failed attempts by the FPÖ to form a coalition government with a conservative party, ultimately leading to interim Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg taking office.
The unprecedented length of government formation talks in Austria is a reflection of the country’s urgent need for a stable government amidst a declining economy, rising unemployment, and a continuing recession. Far-right leader Herbert Kickl, whose party advocates anti-immigration policies and opposes EU support for Ukraine, called for fresh elections after talks with the OVP hit a deadlock. Kickl’s Freedom Party had won the parliamentary election in September but faced opposition from other parties in forming a government.
The ongoing political turmoil has highlighted the challenges faced by Austria in building a functioning government. With Kickl’s call for elections and the continued failure to form a coalition, the future of Austria’s political landscape remains uncertain. The outcome of these negotiations will not only shape the country’s governance but also have implications for Austria’s relationship with the EU and its stance on key international issues.
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