Conservative Christian Stocker, 64, has been sworn in as Austria’s chancellor, leading a three-party coalition government. This political development marks the conclusion of a five-month deadlock following the September 29 parliamentary elections. The coalition, formed by Stocker's Austrian People’s Party (OVP), the centre-left Social Democrats, and the liberal Neos, was officially established during a ceremony at Vienna’s Hofburg Palace on Monday.
Stocker's political career has seen a steady rise, beginning as deputy mayor in his hometown of Wiener Neustadt before transitioning to a national lawmaker in 2019. Despite his lack of experience in national government, Stocker expressed confidence in the newly agreed "common programme" among the coalition parties. This programme includes plans for implementing stricter asylum rules within the European Union nation, which houses a population of nine million people.
The road to forming this coalition was not straightforward. Initial attempts to forge a government involving the same three parties alongside the far-right Freedom Party did not yield an agreement, despite the latter securing the most votes in the recent elections. President Alexander Van der Bellen acknowledged the arduous nature of the process, stating:
"This process certainly took a long time. Whether it will turn out well now isn’t yet decided, but we are positive and optimistic. That is down to us all."
- President Alexander Van der Bellen
In the new government lineup, Social Democratic leader Andreas Babler assumes the role of vice chancellor. Beate Meinl-Reisinger, head of the Neos, has been appointed as foreign minister, succeeding Alexander Schallenberg. Schallenberg had previously stepped in as interim chancellor following Karl Nehammer's resignation. Additionally, the Finance Ministry undergoes a notable change, transitioning from OVP control to the Social Democrats, with Markus Marterbauer taking charge.
The formation of this coalition government marks Austria's longest government formation process since World War II. The intricate negotiations and collaboration required among differing political ideologies reflect both the challenges and potential for unity within Austria's political landscape.
