Christian Stocker, leader of the Austrian People’s Party, was sworn in as Austria’s chancellor on Monday, marking the end of a five-month deadlock after the far-right Freedom Party won the most votes in September elections. The new three-party coalition government includes the Social Democrats and liberal Neos parties.
The creation of the coalition came after multiple failed attempts by the same parties and the Freedom Party to form a government. The new administration faces significant challenges, including rising unemployment and a strained budget. Stocker, 64, assumes the role despite not campaigning for chancellor and lacking experience in national government.
Social Democratic leader Andreas Babler will serve as vice chancellor, while Neos head Beate Meinl-Reisinger takes over as foreign minister. Key conservative ministers, such as Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner, retained their positions. The Ministry of Finance has shifted to the Social Democrats with Markus Marterbauer appointed to lead it.
The new government’s coalition agreement includes plans for stricter asylum rules, a key issue in Austria’s recent elections. President Alexander Van der Bellen praised the formation process, saying “one could say ‘good things come to those who wait'”. The administration will need to navigate rising unemployment and a recession, as well as address economic woes.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/3/christian-stocker-becomes-austria-chancellor-as-three-party-govt-sworn-in