After months of uncertainty and negotiation, Austria’s three leading centrist political parties have agreed to form a new government. This decision excludes the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), which had initially won the most votes in the parliamentary elections five months ago.
The coalition consists of the centre-right People’s Party (ÖVP), the Social Democrats (SPÖ), and the liberal Neos. Together, they finalized a 200-page policy plan aimed at addressing some of Austria’s most pressing issues, such as boosting the struggling economy and reducing the growing budget deficit.
Christian Stocker, the leader of the ÖVP and a likely candidate for the next chancellor, announced the agreement on Thursday. In a statement, Stocker explained that the three parties had worked tirelessly to reach a common program. The process had been long and difficult, with initial coalition talks in January failing. This delay had extended Austria’s political deadlock, marking the longest period in the country’s modern history without a functioning government.
A Coalition Built on Compromise
The decision to form this new coalition ends a long period of uncertainty in Austria’s political landscape. The far-right FPÖ, led by Herbert Kickl, had secured a historic 29% of the vote in the September elections. However, attempts to form a coalition with the ÖVP fell apart over key disagreements, primarily related to EU policy, asylum regulations, and ministerial control.
One of the main points of contention between the two parties was the FPÖ’s demand to control both the interior and finance ministries. The ÖVP rejected this request outright, which ultimately led to the collapse of the talks. If the discussions had succeeded, Austria would have had its first far-right-led government since World War II. Kickl, who had proposed controversial “remigration” policies and an end to Austrian aid for Ukraine, was determined to lead a government that aligned with these positions.
In response to the stalled talks, President Alexander Van der Bellen urged the centrist parties to finalize an agreement quickly. The country’s political paralysis had put Austria in an unusual position, with no functioning government in place for an extended period. On Thursday, Stocker expressed his relief, stating that the coalition agreement would bring stability back to the country.
New Government Faces Key Challenges
With the coalition now in place, Stocker and his allies face a number of significant challenges. The Austrian government must address several issues, including the war in Ukraine, rising economic difficulties, and increasing migration pressures. Stocker, a 64-year-old lawyer with decades of political experience, emphasized these concerns in his announcement. He noted that Austria needed to work together to overcome these hurdles.
The ÖVP and SPÖ have worked together in the past in what has been known as a “grand coalition.” However, their new partnership is not without its challenges. Together, the ÖVP and SPÖ now hold only a slim majority of 92 seats in the 183-seat parliament. To strengthen their position, they have brought Neos, a liberal party, into the fold, adding 18 more seats to the coalition’s total.
Despite this, the coalition faces skepticism. Austria’s political landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, with the FPÖ’s rise in popularity signaling a potential shift toward far-right politics. Kickl has already dismissed the new coalition as a “coalition of losers” and has called for early elections.
Policies and Political Realities
While the coalition leaders have focused on stabilizing Austria’s economy and addressing national security concerns, their agreement also includes more controversial policies. These include strict new asylum regulations, the establishment of “return centres” for rejected asylum seekers, and a potential freeze on asylum applications should the number of arrivals increase. Additionally, the new government has proposed a constitutional ban on headscarves in public spaces.
Despite these divisive policies, the coalition has emphasized its commitment to strengthening Austria’s relationship with the European Union. The three parties in the coalition are united in their belief that Austria’s future lies in Europe, and they aim to continue supporting the EU on major issues like trade and international cooperation.
The Road Ahead
Before the coalition agreement can officially take effect, it must receive approval from the leadership of the ÖVP and SPÖ, as well as from two-thirds of Neos members at a convention scheduled for Sunday. If all goes as planned, Austria will soon have a new government to lead the country forward.
While Stocker is optimistic about the government’s future, political analyst Thomas Hofer has warned that the coalition will face significant challenges in the months ahead. The ÖVP, in particular, has seen a drop in support, with their approval rating falling from 26% in September to just 19%. Meanwhile, the FPÖ’s support has surged, reaching nearly 35%, making it a formidable force in Austrian politics.
The coalition’s ability to maintain unity and tackle Austria’s political and economic issues will determine its long-term success. The government’s focus on tough immigration policies and its stance on EU relations will likely continue to shape Austria’s political landscape for the foreseeable future.
For now, Austria’s political future remains uncertain, with the possibility of early elections always looming on the horizon. The new government, however, will have to prove its worth and navigate a country deeply divided on key issues.
For more information and updates on Austria’s political situation, visit New York Mirror.