Vienna, Austria – After a prolonged period of political uncertainty, Austria has a new government. A coalition comprising the conservative ÖVP, the center-left SPÖ, and the liberal NEOS has officially taken office, marking the end of 154 days of negotiations following the September 2024 general election.
The formation of this tripartite coalition is a significant development in Austrian politics, particularly in the wake of the FPÖ's electoral success. The far-right, anti-immigration FPÖ emerged as the largest party in the September election, raising concerns about a potential shift in Austria's political landscape.
The new government, led by Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP), was sworn in by President Alexander Van der Bellen at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. The coalition commands a majority in the Austrian Parliament, with 110 out of 183 seats. Key figures in the new government include Andreas Babler (SPÖ) as Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport, and the leader of NEOS as the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
President Van der Bellen acknowledged the arduous negotiations that preceded the formation of the government, which were some of the longest in Austrian history. He expressed satisfaction that the three parties were able to overcome their differences and prioritize the country's interests.
The new government has outlined its priorities, which include:
Ensuring peace in Europe.
Strengthening liberal democracy.
Achieving economic stability.
Guaranteeing social cohesion and security.
Stemming illegal immigration.
Ending the countries recesion.
The FPÖ, led by Herbert Kickl, has strongly criticized the new coalition, denouncing it as a "loser's coalition" motivated by a "thirst for power." The FPÖ, which holds 57 seats in Parliament, will now serve as the main opposition party.
The formation of this coalition represents an effort by the traditional political parties in Austria to counter the rise of the far right and provide a stable government for the next five years.
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