In a significant political development, three mainstream political parties in Austria successfully reached an agreement to establish a new government while excluding the far-right Freedom Party. This coalition formation follows five months of intricate negotiations after the parliamentary elections last fall.
Austrian Coalition Forms Government, Excluding Far-Right Party
Austrian Coalition Forms Government, Excluding Far-Right Party
Mainstream political factions in Austria unite after complex negotiations, sidelining the Freedom Party amid rising far-right sentiment.
On Thursday, the People’s Party, Austrian Social Democrats, and the liberal NEOS party finalized their coalition deal and are set to disclose ministerial appointments on Friday. Christian Stocker, leader of the People’s Party and the largest party within the coalition, is anticipated to become the new chancellor.
Despite the Freedom Party's success in the September elections, where it garnered the most votes, mainstream parties opted to exclude it from government negotiations. The Freedom Party, with roots tracing back to former Nazi soldiers, has gained traction in the political landscape, advocating for controversial policies such as strict immigration controls and a ban on political Islam.
Initial attempts to form a coalition without the Freedom Party faltered last month, leading to a brief negotiation between the People’s Party and the Freedom Party, aiming to position Herbert Kickl as chancellor. However, that deal fell through, enabling the mainstream parties to regroup.
The newly agreed-upon coalition outlines a substantial 200-page governing plan focused primarily on budgetary and economic strategies but also addresses migration reform, including proposals for a headscarf ban for young girls—a contentious issue reflecting elements of the Freedom Party's platform.
In the wake of the coalition's formation, the Freedom Party's popularity continues to climb, currently polling nearly 35%. Analysts suggest that the party stands to benefit significantly if this new coalition encounters difficulties.
Despite the Freedom Party's success in the September elections, where it garnered the most votes, mainstream parties opted to exclude it from government negotiations. The Freedom Party, with roots tracing back to former Nazi soldiers, has gained traction in the political landscape, advocating for controversial policies such as strict immigration controls and a ban on political Islam.
Initial attempts to form a coalition without the Freedom Party faltered last month, leading to a brief negotiation between the People’s Party and the Freedom Party, aiming to position Herbert Kickl as chancellor. However, that deal fell through, enabling the mainstream parties to regroup.
The newly agreed-upon coalition outlines a substantial 200-page governing plan focused primarily on budgetary and economic strategies but also addresses migration reform, including proposals for a headscarf ban for young girls—a contentious issue reflecting elements of the Freedom Party's platform.
In the wake of the coalition's formation, the Freedom Party's popularity continues to climb, currently polling nearly 35%. Analysts suggest that the party stands to benefit significantly if this new coalition encounters difficulties.
