Austria’s president has named conservative leader Karl Nehammer to form a new government with the Social Democrats after the far-right party failed to secure a coalition partner following its electoral victory. The far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) emerged on top in the national polls, but has been shunned by all other parliamentary parties due to its radical leader Herbert Kickl.
President Alexander Van der Bellen’s decision to appoint Nehammer came after talks between the top three parties yielded no results. Van der Bellen emphasized the importance of establishing a stable government that respects the core principles of liberal democracy.
Nehammer, leader of the conservative People’s Party (OeVP), expressed willingness to work with the FPOe but has reiterated his opposition to collaborating with Kickl. For a stable government, OeVP and SPOe may need to invite a third party to join them in a three-party coalition, a first in Austrian history.
The president’s call for cooperation aims to end the political deadlock and pave the way for a government capable of addressing the country’s challenges effectively.