VIENNA – Austria’s first three-party coalition since World War II officially took office today, ending the country’s longest-ever wait for a new government while keeping the far-right, Russia-friendly Freedom Party (FPO) out of power.
Despite winning the September parliamentary election with around 29% of the vote, the FPO was unable to form a viable coalition, allowing centrist parties to forge an alternative alliance. The conservative People’s Party (OVP), Social Democrats (SPO), and liberal Neos overcame earlier disagreements to strike a deal.
Led by new Chancellor Christian Stocker (OVP), the government faces significant challenges, including tackling Austria’s economic recession. The coalition has pledged spending cuts and tax hikes on big businesses to rein in the country’s budget deficit and avoid EU disciplinary action.
Another key issue is immigration and integration, heightened by recent security concerns, including a deadly knife attack by a Syrian refugee and foiled Islamist plots. These concerns have fueled the FPO’s popularity, with its leader, Herbert Kickl, opposing EU sanctions on Russia and supporting U.S. President Donald Trump’s outreach to Moscow.
Had the centrist parties failed to form a coalition, Austria could have faced a snap election, which polls suggested would have boosted the FPO’s vote share.
At the swearing-in ceremony, President Alexander Van der Bellen wished the new government success, emphasizing the importance of cooperation. The OVP will oversee the interior and defense ministries, the SPO will control finance and justice, while the Neos will manage foreign affairs.
Despite agreeing on a 200-page policy framework, the coalition partners acknowledge that further negotiations will be needed. Neos leader Beate Meinl-Resinger warned of “five years of tough negotiation,” while the FPO criticized the alliance as a “loser coalition” united only by a desire for power.