Despite the right-wing populist Austrian Freedom Party coming first in the country’s parliamentary elections in late September, Austria could soon see a new coalition government formed by the centrist Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), and the liberal party NEOS.
This potential alliance follows ongoing exploratory talks between the ÖVP and SPÖ, who met for a fourth time on Tuesday. Chancellor Karl Nehammer, leader of the ÖVP, confirmed this latest meeting would be the last for the two parties alone, hinting that a third partner might join discussions as early as Wednesday.
The party leaders of ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS already had a three-way conversation on Monday, spending 90 minutes exploring the possibility of a coalition. NEOS Chair Beate Meinl-Reisinger expressed optimism but stressed that the ÖVP and SPÖ should be open to reforms, particularly in education and business development. She noted these goals were priorities rather than strict demands.
A two-party coalition between the ÖVP and SPÖ would hold a slim one-vote majority in parliament, making a triple alliance with NEOS more likely. Chancellor Nehammer has emphasized the need for a stable, three-party government to address pressing issues like climate policy, migration, and economic growth, which remain sticking points between the ÖVP and SPÖ.
In Austria’s recent National Council election, the right-wing Freedom Party (FPÖ) emerged as the largest party for the first time, securing 29.1% of the vote, with the ÖVP close behind at 26.3%, and SPÖ at 20.9%. However, no party has shown interest in a coalition with the FPÖ, leading President Alexander Van der Bellen to authorize the ÖVP to begin coalition talks. The Greens, who faced losses with 8.7% of the vote, and NEOS, who slightly improved to 8.8%, round out the smaller parties.
There is no set deadline for the exploratory talks, though such negotiations typically take two to three months.
