Government talks in Austria remain tense but far from over, despite media speculation. The Freedom Party (FPÖ), which secured the most votes in September’s election, has been locked in negotiations with the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) since January, aiming to form a right-wing coalition.
FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl has made it clear—either the ÖVP fully accepts the FPÖ as the government’s driving force, or new elections may be the only way forward.
“The government negotiations are in a difficult phase,” the ÖVP acknowledged Tuesday, though they stressed discussions are ongoing, with further meetings scheduled.
“It’s fifty-fifty,” said ÖVP negotiator Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, offering a candid assessment of the situation.
Contrary to media claims that talks have stalled, the FPÖ dismissed such reports, stating on X: “There is no breakdown of negotiations. The ÖVP is apparently coordinating internally. This is quite normal in negotiations. We also coordinate internally again and again. Tomorrow it can continue.”
Efforts to sideline the FPÖ in earlier coalition attempts fell apart at the start of the year, proving that excluding the strongest party isn’t a viable option.
Meanwhile, leftist demonstrators flooded Vienna’s streets, protesting against an FPÖ-ÖVP government. Their chants—“Now is the chance to break off the negotiations!”—echoed old political battles rather than addressing the real needs of Austrian voters.
Tuesday marked the 25th anniversary of the first ÖVP-FPÖ coalition, a historic moment when Austria defied Brussels’ political pressure. Back then, the EU imposed so-called “diplomatic sanctions” on Vienna, a move that ultimately proved ineffective. Today, as Austria’s political landscape shifts again, the FPÖ stands firm, ready to deliver the leadership voters demanded.
