Austrian anti-globalist leader Herbert Kickl is stepping away from efforts to form a new coalition government after his talks with the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) fell apart. Kickl, leader of the Freedom Party (FPÖ), informed President Alexander Van der Bellen of his decision, saying that while his party made concessions during the negotiations, they ultimately failed.
The FPÖ, which won the most votes in Austria’s September election, had been in talks with the ÖVP since January but couldn’t agree on Cabinet posts. In a final offer to the ÖVP, Kickl proposed that they receive more ministries than the FPÖ, while insisting on the crucial interior and finance positions. The ÖVP countered by wanting to keep the finance and interior posts but offered asylum and migration ministries to the FPÖ—an offer Kickl rejected.
Now, President Van der Bellen may appoint a technocratic government, or Austria might face new elections. Another option is for the ÖVP to revive coalition talks with the Social Democrats, Greens, and liberal NEOS party, all of which have expressed interest in resuming discussions.
