After months of intense discussions, Austria’s three main centrist parties have agreed to form a new government, excluding the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ). This move comes five months after the FPÖ won the most votes in Austria’s parliamentary elections, marking a major shift in the country’s political landscape.
The Coalition Agreement
The coalition comprises the centre-right People’s Party (ÖVP), the Social Democrats (SPÖ), and the liberal Neos. These parties have finalized a 200-page policy plan with the main goal of reviving Austria’s struggling economy and reducing its growing budget deficit. Christian Stocker, the leader of the ÖVP, who is likely to become the next chancellor, announced the agreement on Thursday. He stated that the three parties worked tirelessly to create a shared policy framework, despite the prolonged talks.
The agreement comes after a failed attempt in January to establish a coalition government. After the first round of negotiations collapsed, the ÖVP sought a broader agreement with the SPÖ and Neos. These discussions were ultimately successful, despite political disagreements and a challenging negotiating environment.
The FPÖ’s Exclusion and Breakdown of Talks
This new coalition government marks the end of a period of political uncertainty following the FPÖ’s historic victory in the election. The FPÖ won nearly 29% of the vote, making it the largest party in the country, but was excluded from the coalition talks. Initially, the ÖVP attempted to form a centrist alliance, but talks failed when disagreements arose over European Union policies, asylum regulations, and the allocation of ministerial positions.
One of the major sticking points in the negotiations was the FPÖ’s demand to control both the interior and finance ministries. The ÖVP rejected this request, which ultimately led to the breakdown of talks. Had the negotiations succeeded, Austria would have seen its first far-right-led government since World War II. FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl pushed for mass “remigration” policies, which would see the forced return of migrants, and an end to Austrian aid for Ukraine. These controversial proposals further complicated the situation and led to the failure of the coalition talks with the far-right.
Presidential Intervention and Ministerial Appointments
The extended negotiations raised concerns in Austria, with President Alexander Van der Bellen urging the centrist parties to quickly reach an agreement. The country had gone through its longest period without a government in modern history. President Van der Bellen’s call for action was echoed by many who feared that the political deadlock was causing significant instability. Ministerial appointments are expected to be announced on Friday, marking the official start of the new government.
New Policies and Challenges Ahead
Stocker, who became the leader of the ÖVP after former chancellor Karl Nehammer’s resignation in January, described the negotiations as “one of the most difficult in Austria’s history.” He stressed that the new government faces significant challenges, including economic stagnation, migration pressures, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
As part of the coalition agreement, the parties have committed to implementing strict new asylum rules. These rules would introduce “return centres” for rejected asylum seekers and possibly a freeze on asylum applications if the number of arrivals exceeds certain thresholds. Additionally, the coalition agreement calls for a constitutional ban on headscarves, a highly controversial proposal that has sparked widespread debate in Austria and across Europe.
Despite these tough policies, the government has emphasized its commitment to strengthening the European Union. The ÖVP and SPÖ have previously worked together in “grand coalitions,” but the addition of the Neos gives the new government a narrow majority with 92 of 183 seats in parliament. The inclusion of the Neos adds 18 more seats, providing some stability in the coalition.
Political Instability and Future Concerns
Before the coalition agreement can officially take effect, it must be approved by the leadership of the two major parties and by two-thirds of the Neos members at a convention scheduled for Sunday. Political analysts have warned that, while the coalition is likely to avoid major disruptions in the short term, significant challenges remain ahead. The approval of the agreement by the various party leaders is still uncertain, and political instability could continue to be a concern.
Public support for the centrist parties has declined in recent months. ÖVP support fell from 26% in September to 19%, according to recent polls. Meanwhile, the FPÖ has gained ground, surging to nearly 35% in the polls, positioning itself as a major contender in future elections. FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl has dismissed the new government as a “coalition of losers” and has called for an early election. His party’s rise in popularity indicates that Austria’s political landscape may continue to shift in the coming years, with the FPÖ playing an increasingly important role.
The formation of a new government in Austria after months of negotiations has brought an end to political uncertainty. However, the country’s future remains uncertain as the coalition government faces significant challenges in the coming years. With tensions over asylum policies, the economy, and the role of the FPÖ in future elections, Austria’s political situation will continue to evolve.
For more updates on Austria’s political landscape, visit Euro News 24.