Talks to form a new government in Austria have broken records by stretching on for five months, the longest coalition negotiation in the country’s history. The centrist parties, including the People’s Party, Social Democrats, and Neos, have finally reached an agreement to form a coalition government, following elections in which the far-right Freedom Party won the largest share of the national vote. If the agreement is signed by all three parties, the new government will take office next week, with Christian Stocker as chancellor and Andreas Babler as vice chancellor. The coalition has emphasized the need for consensus and pragmatism in governing the country during difficult times.
The coalition agreement includes various proposals aimed at addressing current problems in Austria, such as stricter measures for asylum seekers, revised tenancy laws, and planned cuts in benefits. The program also commits to consolidating the country’s budget to comply with the European Union’s fiscal rules. The People’s Party and Social Democrats have previously governed Austria together in past coalitions, but this time, they have the added support of the Neos party, which has never before been part of a national government. This coalition would effectively keep the far-right Freedom Party and its controversial leader, Herbert Kickl, out of power after failed negotiations.
The Freedom Party, which came first in Austria’s elections with 28% of the vote, was sidelined in initial coalition negotiations with former Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Subsequent talks with the People’s Party also collapsed due to policy differences and clashes over ministerial control. The ÖVP’s State Party Chairman, Karl Mahrer, specifically blamed Herbert Kickl for these failures, citing his controversial views and behavior as a safety risk. Kickl, on the other hand, has criticized the coalition agreement as a “coalition of losers” and demanded fresh elections. Ultimately, the five-month negotiation process has led to the exclusion of the Freedom Party from the new government.
The agreement reached by the centrist parties is still subject to approval by Neos’ grassroots members, who will vote on the pact on Sunday. The leaders of the parties have highlighted the importance of providing answers to the challenges facing Austria and have stressed the need for unity and practical solutions. The ÖVP has expressed confidence in the success of what they consider to be the most difficult government negotiations in history. By forming a coalition government, the centrist parties aim to address the pressing issues facing Austria, including asylum policy, tenancy laws, and budget consolidation, while keeping the far-right Freedom Party out of power. With the approval of all three parties, the new government is poised to take office and begin implementing its proposed policies.
