As the FPÖ and ÖVP inch closer to possible coalition negotiations, their guarded approach has left many in Austria waiting for clarity. Meanwhile, opponents of FPÖ’s potential role in the government are gearing up for public demonstrations.
On Thursday evening, activists plan to gather in front of the Federal Chancellery in Vienna under the slogan “Alarm for the Republic.” Similar protests are also expected in Graz, Salzburg, and other state capitals.
The Vienna event, spearheaded by organizations like Volkshilfe, Greenpeace, and SOS Mittensch, has drawn support from a broad coalition of NGOs. The demonstration could signal the beginning of a fresh wave of Thursday protests, echoing past movements that rallied against controversial government policies.
FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl and interim ÖVP chairman Christian Stocker held their first meeting on Wednesday evening, though details of their discussion remain scarce. While neither party has publicly confirmed a timeline, insider reports suggest substantive negotiations could kick off as soon as Friday if both parties’ steering groups align.
The lack of transparency around the talks has fueled speculation and heightened tensions among those wary of the FPÖ’s potential influence. For now, Austria waits to see if these negotiations will reshape its political landscape—or spark even more unrest in the streets.
