Austrian President appoints Chancellor amidst refusal of far-right party to govern with them after winning election
Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) emerged victorious in last month’s election but faced opposition as other parties refused to form a coalition with them. President Alexander Van der Bellen has now tasked Chancellor Karl Nehammer of the conservative People’s Party (OVP) to form a government despite objections from the FPO.
The FPO, known for its Eurosceptic and Russia-friendly views, received the most votes in the election but lacks the majority to govern alone. FPO leader Herbert Kickl has expressed his desire to become chancellor in an FPO-led government, but other parties have stood firm in their refusal to collaborate with him.
President Van der Bellen emphasized that simply winning the election does not guarantee the right to form a government, especially if a party cannot secure a 50 percent majority. He has instructed Nehammer to engage in coalition talks with the Social Democrats (SPO) rather than forming a coalition that excludes the FPO.
As Austria navigates this political landscape, Nehammer is determined to prioritize stability and reforms in the interest of the country, potentially forming a three-party coalition – a rare occurrence in Austrian politics.