Richard Parks Austria’s political deadlock has ended. Three centrist parties have agreed to form a new government. The centre-right People’s Party (ÖVP), the Social Democrats (SPÖ), and the liberal Neos reached a deal. Their coalition excludes the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), even though it won the most votes.
The three parties worked for five months to finalize a 200-page policy framework. Their main goals are reviving the economy and reducing the budget deficit. They hope to bring stability after months of uncertainty.
A Coalition After Months of Delay
Christian Stocker, leader of the ÖVP, announced the deal on Thursday. He is expected to become Austria’s next chancellor. Stocker said the three parties worked hard to create a strong governing strategy.
The coalition talks were tough. The first attempt in January failed. This forced more discussions. President Alexander Van der Bellen pushed leaders to reach an agreement. Austria had gone through its longest period without a stable government in modern history.
FPÖ Excluded After Failed Talks
The Freedom Party (FPÖ) won 29% of the vote in the election. It had the highest support, but it could not form a government. The ÖVP first held talks with the FPÖ, but they failed.
The two parties disagreed on EU policies, asylum rules, and key government positions. The FPÖ wanted control of the interior and finance ministries, but the ÖVP refused. This disagreement ended the talks and led to the new centrist coalition.
Had the FPÖ succeeded, Austria would have had its first far-right-led government since World War II. FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl wanted strict immigration policies and to stop financial aid for Ukraine.
Kickl also pushed for mass remigration policies, which worried many centrist politicians. They feared Austria would face international backlash if the FPÖ took power.
Coalition Policies and Future Challenges
Stocker called the talks “one of the hardest negotiations in Austria’s history.” The new government faces big challenges, such as:
- A weak economy
- Rising migration
- The war in Ukraine
The coalition will introduce stricter asylum laws. It plans to set up “return centres” for rejected asylum seekers. It may also pause new asylum applications if numbers rise too high.
One controversial rule is a headscarf ban in the constitution. Still, the government says it will support EU policies and work with European partners.
The ÖVP and SPÖ have governed together before in “grand coalitions.” But this time, they hold a slim majority. They control 92 of 183 seats. The Neos party adds 18 more seats, making the government stronger.
Before the deal takes effect, party leaders must approve it. Also, two-thirds of Neos members must vote in favor at a meeting on Sunday.
FPÖ Gains More Support
Even though it is out of power, the FPÖ remains popular. Support for centrist parties is falling. Polls show ÖVP support has dropped from 26% in September to 19%. Meanwhile, the FPÖ has risen to 35% in the latest polls.
Political expert Thomas Hofer thinks the coalition will last. But he says there will be many challenges ahead. The FPÖ’s rising support could shape future elections.
Kickl called the new government a “coalition of losers.” He is still pushing for early elections. He believes the FPÖ will return to power soon.
Austria Faces a Critical Moment
Austria is now entering a new political phase. The centrist coalition hopes to bring stability and solve major issues. However, with the FPÖ gaining support, the country’s political future is uncertain.
For more updates on Austria’s government, visit Financial Mirror.