Austria's Political Crisis: President Tasks FPÖ with Forming Government

In a significant political development in Austria, President Alexander Van der Bellen has assigned the far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) the task of forming a new government following unsuccessful coalition negotiations. This marks a pivotal moment in the country's political landscape, as it is the first time that the FPÖ has been entrusted with the responsibility of government formation.

During a meeting with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl in Vienna, President Van der Bellen expressed his confidence in Kickl's ability to create a viable government. Following the meeting, he stated that he had given the mandate for government formation to Kickl, who will keep the President informed about the progress of the negotiations. Van der Bellen emphasized the constitutional duty of the President to ensure the nation has a functioning government.

The political turmoil escalated after coalition talks between the conservative People's Party (ÖVP) and the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) collapsed. In the wake of these failed negotiations, the ÖVP, under the leadership of Chancellor Karl Nehammer, announced the termination of discussions with the SPÖ and subsequently, Nehammer's resignation.

Following the President's announcement, a protest took place outside the Hofburg, the presidential palace, with over 500 demonstrators gathering to voice their opposition to the FPÖ's rise to power. Activists from various human rights organizations, including SOS Mitmensch, participated in the protest, expressing their concerns about the implications of a far-right government.

Before the breakdown of coalition talks, the liberal Neos party had already withdrawn from the negotiations, leading to a critical shift in the political dynamic. In light of the current circumstances, the newly appointed ÖVP party leader, Christian Stocker, has indicated a willingness to engage in negotiations with the FPÖ.

The FPÖ garnered nearly 29% of the votes in the September parliamentary elections, a result that initially led to reluctance among other parties to collaborate with the far-right group. However, the recent political upheaval has prompted the ÖVP to reconsider its stance, paving the way for possible collaboration. Historically, the FPÖ has formed coalitions with the ÖVP in the past, notably in the 2000s and from 2017 to 2019, though these arrangements were always under ÖVP leadership. This time, the FPÖ could potentially assume the Chancellor's office for the first time.

Before any formal agreement can be reached, both parties must negotiate a governing program. While there is considerable agreement on issues such as migration and taxation, foreign policy differences are anticipated, particularly given the FPÖ's critical stance towards the European Union and its pro-Russian sentiments.