Politics Austria: Coalition talks probably on the home straight
In Austria, the talks between the ÖVP, SPÖ and the liberal Neos party to form a coalition seem to be on the home straight. A joint government program is being worked on constructively, according to negotiating circles. Such a program is expected to be presented in the middle of the week. A three-party coalition would be a novelty in Austria.
25.02.2025, 04:58
SDA
The current potential partners had already started negotiations after the parliamentary elections in the fall of 2024. However, talks broke down around the turn of the year. As the winner of the election, the right-wing FPÖ was then given the task of forming a government. However, the attempt to forge an FPÖ-ÖVP coalition was also recently abandoned.
This means that the search for a government has now lasted around 150 days - a record for Austria.
ÖVP leader Christian Stocker would become the new chancellor
In the event of an agreement between the ÖVP, SPÖ and Neos, 64-year-old Christian Stocker would become head of government in the Alpine republic. In January, he was appointed to succeed Karl Nehammer, who had resigned as chancellor of the ÖVP party. Nehammer gave up his post because - unlike Stocker - he did not want to negotiate with the right-wing populists.
Among other things, a new government is expected to reduce the large budget deficit and stimulate the sluggish economy. Migration issues also play an important role in Austrian domestic policy. Similar to the CDU/CSU in Germany, the ÖVP wants to further tighten its stance on immigration.
