Three-Party Government
VIENNA: Austria’s first three-party coalition government since the aftermath of World War Two officially took office on Monday, concluding the country’s longest-ever political deadlock and keeping the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) out of power.
The new coalition brings together the conservative People’s Party (OVP), the Social Democrats (SPO), and the liberal Neos, forming a centrist alliance after months of political uncertainty.
Despite securing approximately 29% of the vote in the September parliamentary elections, the eurosceptic, Russia-friendly FPO was unable to establish a viable coalition.
Its failure to secure enough support paved the way for centrist parties to negotiate a power-sharing agreement, even after their initial attempts to form a government had stalled.
The newly formed government steps in at a time when Austria is struggling with economic challenges, including two years of recession.
The coalition has already signaled plans for spending cuts and tax increases on large corporations to bring the country’s budget deficit back within the European Union’s limits. Failure to do so could result in disciplinary measures from Brussels, a situation the new leadership is eager to avoid.
Newly appointed Chancellor Christian Stocker of the OVP will face additional pressure to address growing public concerns over immigration and migrant integration.
These concerns have been amplified by recent security incidents, including a deadly knife attack committed by a Syrian refugee and multiple Islamist plots that were successfully thwarted by authorities.
The rise of the far-right across Europe has boosted the FPO’s support, with its leader, Herbert Kickl, openly opposing EU sanctions against Russia.
He has also aligned himself with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on Moscow, calling for improved relations with Russia.
Analysts suggest that had the centrist coalition negotiations failed, Austria would have likely been forced into a snap election—an outcome that polls indicated would have strengthened the FPO’s position.
During the swearing-in ceremony, President Alexander Van der Bellen extended his best wishes to the new government. “I wish you success, resilience, and a bit of luck as well. I look forward to constructive cooperation,” he remarked while officially inaugurating the cabinet.
Under the new power-sharing arrangement, the OVP will lead key security ministries, including the interior and defense portfolios. The Social Democrats will oversee finance and justice, while the liberal Neos will be in charge of foreign affairs.
The coalition partners have agreed on a broad 200-page government plan, but many specific policies are yet to be negotiated, which could pose challenges in maintaining stability within the alliance.
Neos leader Beate Meinl-Resinger acknowledged the difficulties ahead, stating, “Will it be easy? No. Are the negotiations over? No.” She further emphasized that the coalition must prepare for “five years of tough negotiation” to maintain cohesion and ensure governance.
Meanwhile, the FPO wasted no time in criticizing the new administration. In a statement on X, the party dismissed the coalition as a desperate attempt to cling to power, comparing it to Germany’s recently collapsed three-party “traffic-light” coalition. “The only thing that unites this loser coalition is their thirst for power,” the FPO declared, signaling its intent to apply relentless pressure on the new government.
As Austria embarks on this new political chapter, all eyes will be on the coalition’s ability to maintain unity and navigate the economic and social challenges that lie ahead.
