- Coalition talks to form a government without the Freedom Party (FPOe) fail
- For the first time, the way is clear for the FPOe to lead an Austrian government
- Austrian conservatives are ready for talks with the far-right FPÖ
- After the parliamentary elections at the end of September, the FPÖ became the largest party in the country
Coalition talks to form a government without the Freedom Party (FPOe) fail
On Monday, the Austrian President instructed far-right leader Herbert Kickl to try to form a government. This is a historic step following the collapse of coalition talks to form a government without the Freedom Party (FPOe).
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen told reporters that approaching the leader of the FPOe was "not an easy decision". This will be the first time that a far-right party will lead the negotiations for a government.
For the first time, the way is clear for the FPOe to lead an Austrian government
The way was opened for the FPOe to lead an Austrian government for the first time when Christian Stocker, the newly appointed leader of the conservative Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), said on Sunday that his party was ready to enter into talks with Mr Kickl. Ch. Stocker became leader of the ÖVP after Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced his resignation on Saturday, following the collapse of previous coalition talks with centrist parties.
President Van der Bellen said he had the impression that the voices within the ÖVP opposing cooperation with Mr Kickl had recently become much smaller. Mr Nehammer has consistently opposed working with Mr Kickl and the FPOe. After the parliamentary elections at the end of September, the FPOe became the largest party in the country.
Austrian conservatives are ready for talks with the far-right FPÖ
Austria's conservative People's Party (ÖVP) is ready to enter into talks with the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) on forming a government coalition, the newly appointed ÖVP leader Christian Stocker announced on Sunday.
He said the ÖVP would be willing to discuss such a possibility if invited to do so. Stocker, who has just replaced Chancellor Karl Nehammer as party chairman.
After the coalition talks collapsed earlier, K. Nehammer resigned on Saturday.
On Sunday afternoon, Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen announced he would talk to FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl on Monday about forming a new government.
Van der Bellen said that he had the impression that the voices within the ÖVP that opposed cooperation with Kickl had recently become much smaller.
K. Nehammer has consistently opposed the possibility of working with Mr Kickl and the FPÖ. "In turn, this means that new opportunities may arise", the President said.
After the parliamentary elections at the end of September, the FPÖ became the largest party in the country
The ÖVP tried to form a center-right coalition with the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) and the liberal party NEOS to prevent right-wing populists from coming to power.
Negotiations on the coalition failed, but Mr Nehammer opposed the possibility of governing with the FPÖ. On the other hand, his party members, who focus on economic issues, favored cooperation with the far-right party.
Another alternative to the negotiations between the FPÖ and the ÖVP would be to hold new elections.
However, due to the lengthy preparatory process, this could only take place after about three months.
According to pollsters, the FPÖ would be even more certain to win a new election.
Based on ELTA reports
