The conservative People’s Party (OVP), Social Democrats (SPO), and liberal Neos have reached an agreement to form a coalition government in Austria. Announced on Thursday, this historic agreement marks the end of the longest wait for a new government in Austria since World War II. The three parties plan to formally present their coalition at a news conference later that day, aiming to take office next week, pending final approvals.
The final hurdle for the coalition is a vote among the Neos members set for Sunday. A two-thirds majority is required for the coalition to proceed. If successful, this will be Austria's first three-party government since the late 1940s. The announcement follows a failed attempt earlier this year when a similar coalition collapsed in January, leading to Chancellor Karl Nehammer's resignation.
Excluding the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) from the coalition was a strategic decision. FPO leader Herbert Kickl criticized the new coalition as a "coalition of losers" and called for a snap election. Recent opinion polls suggest that such an election could increase the FPO's share of the vote from about 29 percent recorded in September. Despite being tasked with forming a government after September's parliamentary election, the FPO's efforts were unsuccessful.
According to OVP leader Christian Stocker, the coalition agreement represents a "common programme" with their social and liberal partners. Political analyst Thomas Hofer noted that the announcement should finally conclude Austria's prolonged wait for a government. However, Hofer cautioned that to endure the five-year parliamentary term, the coalition might need to deliver more than just its agreed program.
“We are not Herbert Kickl, we prevented Herbert Kickl [from becoming chancellor]” – Thomas Hofer
The coalition is viewed as a centrist initiative, drawing comparisons to a similar three-party coalition in neighboring Germany that recently disbanded. The exclusion of the FPO is seen as an effort to stabilize Austrian politics and avoid potential polarization.
