Austrian President Tasks Far-Right Freedom Party with Coalition Formation

Sat Apr 26 2025 08:03:01 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Austrian President Tasks Far-Right Freedom Party with Coalition Formation

Austria's political landscape shifts as President charges Herbert Kickl with leading coalition talks.


As Austria faces potential government formation challenges, President Alexander Van der Bellen has appointed Herbert Kickl of the Freedom Party (FPO), a first in the party’s history, highlighting the complexities of coalition politics in the nation.


In a significant political development in Austria, President Alexander Van der Bellen has tasked Herbert Kickl, the leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), with forming a coalition government. If successful, this would mark the first time that the Eurosceptic and Russia-friendly FPO leads a government in the country, despite having previously served only as a junior coalition partner.

The FPO emerged victorious in the September elections, securing approximately 29% of the vote, but faced initial backlash, as Van der Bellen was criticized for delaying the coalition-building process due to other parties' refusals to work with Kickl. Following the election, the conservative People's Party (OVP), which placed second with 26% of the votes, was given the opportunity to form a government. However, their attempts to create a stable coalition failed, leading to the resignation of former Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

With the emergence of a new OVP leader, Christian Stocker, who expressed willingness to engage in coalition talks with Kickl, the political climate has shifted. Interestingly, Van der Bellen's decision to ask Kickl to take charge of coalition negotiations reflects a dramatic pivot from the president, who has historically been critical of the FPO and expressed concerns regarding Kickl’s leadership.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Van der Bellen emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles, including human rights and independent media, as well as maintaining Austria's relationship with the European Union. The FPO and OVP share some ideological ground, particularly on migration policies, yet diverge significantly on EU matters and aid to Ukraine amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

While there is no confirmed timeline for the coalition discussions—which typically take two to three months—the potential for a snap election looms if talks do not yield results. According to current polls, public support for the Freedom Party appears to be increasing in the wake of the elections, indicating a dynamic shift in Austria's political landscape.

MORE ON THEME

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 23:30:37 GMT

Ukraine Proposes New Peace Plan Amid Ongoing Conflict with Russia

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 23:30:37 GMT
Fri, 25 Apr 2025 19:42:12 GMT

Pope Francis Ignored Calls to Slow Down, Driven by Desire to Help the Marginalized, Says Archbishop

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 19:42:12 GMT
Fri, 25 Apr 2025 19:05:02 GMT

Pope Francis's Funeral: An Unexpected Diplomatic Confluence

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 19:05:02 GMT
Fri, 25 Apr 2025 17:22:40 GMT

Constructive Talk in Moscow: US and Russia Discuss Ukraine Conflict**

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 17:22:40 GMT
Fri, 25 Apr 2025 12:38:16 GMT

**Senior Russian General Killed in Moscow Car Bomb Attack**

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 12:38:16 GMT
Fri, 25 Apr 2025 10:13:43 GMT

Putin's Strategy Amid Ongoing Conflict and U.S. Political Dynamics

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 10:13:43 GMT
Fri, 25 Apr 2025 06:07:54 GMT

Kyiv Mayor Suggests Territorial Concessions for Peace Amid Ongoing Conflict

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 06:07:54 GMT
Fri, 25 Apr 2025 05:03:49 GMT

Tensions Escalate as Trump Condemns Russian Strikes on Kyiv

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 05:03:49 GMT
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 23:39:43 GMT

Trump's Urgent Plea to Putin Amid Escalating Conflict in Ukraine

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 23:39:43 GMT
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 23:07:31 GMT

Trump's Shift on Crimea: A New U.S. Peace Proposal Raises Concerns

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 23:07:31 GMT
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 21:30:21 GMT

Trump's Urgent Plea to Putin Amidst Deadly KYIV Strikes

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 21:30:21 GMT
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:16:30 GMT

Europe's Resolve Amidst U.S. Hesitation on Ukraine

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:16:30 GMT
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:23:54 GMT

Zelensky's Stance on Crimea: Political Reality vs. Peace Effort

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:23:54 GMT
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 08:50:28 GMT

**Zelensky's Visit to South Africa Marks New Diplomatic Landscape Amid Troubled Relations with Trump**

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 08:50:28 GMT
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 08:44:26 GMT

# Deadly Airstrikes in Kyiv: Russian Assault Claims Nine Lives Amid Tenuous Peace Talks

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 08:44:26 GMT
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:03:15 GMT

South Africa and Ukraine Forge New Ties Amid Global Diplomacy Challenges

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:03:15 GMT
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:00:45 GMT

At Least 9 Killed in Major Russian Airstrikes on Kyiv

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:00:45 GMT
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:20:01 GMT

Devastating Missile and Drone Assault in Kyiv Claims Lives and Raises Fears of Trapped Citizens

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:20:01 GMT
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:18:14 GMT

**Trump's Ultimatum to Ukraine: The Risks of a Controversial Peace Proposal**

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:18:14 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 21:16:55 GMT

Tensions Rise as Trump Pressures Ukraine to Accept Controversial Peace Proposal

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 21:16:55 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.