In an unexpected turn of events following Austria’s recent general election, President Alexander Van der Bellen has asked the second-place People’s Party (ÖVP) to begin coalition negotiations after the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), which finished first, failed to find any partners willing to form a government.
Far-Right Victory Meets Resistance
The FPÖ, led by Herbert Kickl, rode a wave of voter discontent over issues like immigration and inflation to a historic first-place finish in the September 29 election, securing 29% of the vote. However, Kickl’s insistence on becoming chancellor and his party’s controversial stances have left it isolated, with all other parties represented in parliament refusing to work with him in that role.
According to sources close to the negotiations, concerns about the state of Austria’s democracy and rule of law under an FPÖ-led government, as well as the party’s pro-Russia stance and alleged ties to right-wing extremist groups, made cooperation impossible for the mainstream parties.
Losing Party Gets Unlikely Opportunity
In light of this impasse, President Van der Bellen has tasked ÖVP leader and incumbent Chancellor Karl Nehammer with beginning coalition talks with the center-left Social Democrats (SPÖ), who finished third with 21% of the vote. The ÖVP itself suffered significant losses, falling to 26% support.
“Austria needs a stable government with integrity that is able to act,” Van der Bellen said in announcing his decision to give the losing party the first shot at forming a government.
Together, the ÖVP and SPÖ would command a narrow majority in parliament. Analysts suggest they may seek to bring in a third party, likely the liberal NEOS which won 9%, to form a more stable coalition. However, the struggles of Germany’s three-way “traffic light” coalition under Chancellor Olaf Scholz could give them pause.
FPÖ Defiant in Defeat
For his part, FPÖ leader Kickl has remained defiant, insisting his party earned the right to lead the government. The FPÖ, founded by former Nazis in the 1950s, campaigned on a nationalist “Austria First” platform, calling for forced deportation of immigrants and an end to EU sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
Observers note that Kickl, who has praised Hungary’s authoritarian leader Viktor Orban as a role model, sought to style himself as a “Volkskanzler” or “People’s Chancellor” – a term once applied to Adolf Hitler. While stopping short of banning the FPÖ, Austria’s other parties appear determined to keep Kickl out of the chancellery.
Austria’s Political Future Uncertain
As coalition talks begin, Austria finds itself in uncharted political territory. Never before has a losing party been asked to form a government while the election winner is left out in the cold. Much will depend on whether the ÖVP and SPÖ, long-time rivals, can find enough common ground to work together.
At the same time, the FPÖ’s strong showing and the climate of voter anger that fueled it will continue to hang over Austrian politics. Even if shut out of government for now, the far-right looks to remain a potent force shaping the country’s future.
“This is not the last we’ve heard from Kickl and the FPÖ,” predicted one political analyst close to the situation. “They will be waiting in the wings, ready to pounce at the first sign of trouble or dissatisfaction with the new government. The other parties can’t afford to ignore the message voters sent in this election.”
President Van der Bellen has said he hopes to have a new government in place by January. Until then, Austrians and the rest of Europe will be watching closely to see whether the country’s political center can hold against the far-right tide – and for how long.
