Austrian Far-Right Leader Tasked with Forming Government

Monday 06 January 2025 - 17:00

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has tasked Herbert Kickl, leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), with forming a coalition government after centrist efforts to establish a government collapsed. This decision comes despite Van der Bellen’s long-standing criticism of the FPO, reflecting the limited political options available after the FPO's electoral victory in September with 29% of the vote.

The FPO now seeks to form a coalition with the conservative People's Party (OVP). This development marks a significant moment for the FPO, which has not led a government since its founding in the 1950s under controversial leadership.

Van der Bellen, a former leader of the Greens, stated he took this step reluctantly. Meanwhile, protesters voiced strong opposition, chanting slogans and expressing concerns about Austria's political direction.

Efforts by the OVP, led by Chancellor Karl Nehammer, to create a coalition with centrist parties fell apart over the weekend, leading to Nehammer’s resignation. The OVP, under interim leader Christian Stocker, is now open to coalition talks with the FPO, despite past resistance due to disagreements on key issues, including immigration, budget policies, and foreign aid.

Should negotiations fail, a snap election remains a possibility, with polls showing growing support for the FPO. Van der Bellen has emphasized his commitment to safeguarding democracy and Austria’s EU membership during this critical period.