Politics Crisis in Austria - ÖVP and SPÖ talk about coalition again
In Austria, the conservative ÖVP and the social democratic SPÖ have resumed talks about a possible coalition.
17.02.2025, 15:32
SDA
"Talks are underway as to whether or not cooperation and the conclusion of a government agreement are possible", according to the ÖVP. The SPÖ also confirmed the exchange.
It remains unclear when a result can be expected. The media speculated about a possible conclusion by the middle of next week. According to the reports, the parties want to agree on a double budget, among other things.
A first attempt at a coalition between the ÖVP and SPÖ failed in January. This was followed by weeks of alliance talks between the right-wing FPÖ and ÖVP, which recently collapsed. This means that Austria is still without a new government four and a half months after the parliamentary elections.
Coalition would only have a narrow majority
The ÖVP and SPÖ only have a majority of one vote in parliament. However, both the Greens and the liberal Neos party have signaled that they could support such a two-party coalition in parliament on certain issues. Austria is in the midst of a serious economic crisis with rising unemployment and a large budget deficit. Without an early agreement on a budget characterized by austerity targets, there is a threat of EU deficit proceedings.
