Austrian political parties reach deal to exclude far-right, forming coalition government.
In a political development that marks the end of a historic impasse in Austria, the conservative People’s Party (OVP), the Social Democrats (SPO), and the liberal Neos have agreed to form a coalition government without the far-right Freedom Party (FPO). This agreement comes months after the FPO secured victory in September’s parliamentary election.
The three political parties have announced plans to unveil their coalition at a press conference on Thursday. OVP leader Christian Stocker indicated that a shared program had been agreed upon with both the Social Democrats and Neos, with the expectation that Stocker will become Austria’s new chancellor.
This agreement finally resolves the delay in establishing a new government in Austria since World War II, following a failed attempt in January to form a coalition with the same political partners that led to then-Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s resignation.
Subsequently, the FPO’s attempt to form a government also proved unsuccessful. The upcoming three-party coalition government, which is set to assume office next week pending the approval of Neos members, marks Austria’s first such government since the late 1940s.
FPO leader Herbert Kickl has criticized the coalition as a “coalition of losers” and has called for new elections, which polls suggest could further bolster the FPO’s electoral support.
Analysts note the coalition will face significant challenges, including reducing budget deficits and limiting internal political conflicts that have contributed to the downfall of previous governments.
“The initial message of this government is ‘We are not Herbert Kickl; we prevented Herbert Kickl [from leading Austria]’,” said political analyst Thomas Hofer. He warned that while this stance differentiates the coalition from the far-right, it lacks a positive vision for the future. According to Hofer, the government will need to demonstrate more than just its program to ensure its stability over its five-year term.
