Austria has formed its first three-party government since the aftermath of World War Two, with a centrist coalition replacing the far-right Freedom Party (FPO). The conservative People’s Party (OVP), Social Democrats (SPO), and liberal Neos have joined forces to create a new cabinet, led by Chancellor Christian Stocker.
The FPO won the September parliamentary election but failed to form a workable coalition, paving the way for this centrist alternative. President Alexander Van der Bellen has expressed concerns that the three-way coalition could be fragile, citing the history of two-party governments collapsing in recent years.
The new government plans to tackle Austria’s budget deficit by implementing spending cuts and tax hikes on big businesses. It also aims to strengthen immigration rules and combat extremism, following a deadly knife attack by a Syrian refugee last year.
The FPO has already vowed to pressure the coalition through a snap election, calling it a “loser” coalition. However, Neos leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger pledged five years of tough negotiations with the other parties to iron out their differences and create a workable government.
Austria’s three-party government will have to navigate its way through European Union regulations and Brussels’ disciplinary proceedings, which aim to prevent excessive budget deficits. Despite the challenges ahead, Stocker is optimistic about the new government’s ability to get things done.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/austrian-conservative-stocker-sworn-head-coalition-government-2025-03-03