After coalition talks between Austria’s Conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) and Social Democrats (SPÖ) hit a dead end, the country appears poised for a groundbreaking political shift. For the first time in Austrian history, Herbert Kickl of the right-wing Freedom Party (FPÖ) could take the helm as Chancellor.
The political gridlock follows the September elections, where the FPÖ emerged as the strongest party with nearly 29% of the vote. Efforts to form a coalition excluding the FPÖ collapsed, beginning with the liberal Neos withdrawing from tripartite talks with the SPÖ and ÖVP over deep disagreements on tax and economic policies. Negotiations between the ÖVP and SPÖ also broke down on Saturday, leaving the National Council short of a majority coalition.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) announced his resignation after the failed negotiations, stating he would vacate his roles as Chancellor and party leader in the coming days. The ÖVP is now deliberating on its next steps, with momentum reportedly building for coalition talks with the FPÖ.
“In terms of policy, we’re aligned with the FPÖ on key issues like the economy and migration,” an ÖVP negotiator told OE24, suggesting a deal could come together quickly. However, new elections remain a possibility.
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, a Green Party veteran, has drawn criticism for initially refusing to task the FPÖ and Kickl with forming a government, despite their historic electoral success. Van der Bellen, 80, expressed surprise at the collapse of talks among the ÖVP, SPÖ, and Neos, and signaled a willingness to meet with Kickl on Monday.
“The voices opposing ÖVP collaboration with the FPÖ under Herbert Kickl seem to have softened,” Van der Bellen remarked, hinting at shifting dynamics within the political landscape.
Herbert Kickl lambasted the delay in forming a government, blaming rivals for creating “chaos” and wasting “three crucial months.” He singled out SPÖ leader Andreas Babler and Van der Bellen, accusing them of orchestrating a failed anti-FPÖ strategy.
“They’ve built this house of cards, and now they’re staring at its ruins,” Kickl wrote on Facebook. He also placed responsibility squarely on Van der Bellen for the instability, suggesting the president is under mounting pressure to act.
The SPÖ, under Babler’s increasingly hardline leadership, continues to warn against what they call a “far-right extremist Chancellor.” However, recent polls suggest that if new elections were held, the FPÖ could secure a landslide victory, garnering 37% of the vote. The ÖVP trails at 21%, with the SPÖ at 19%. The Neos and Greens stand at 11% and 8%, respectively.
Austria now faces a defining political moment, with the FPÖ on the cusp of reshaping the nation’s government. Whether through a coalition or fresh elections, the country seems set for a major political recalibration.
