Austria far right shunned for coalition despite winning election

In a surprising turn of events following Austria’s recent general election, President Alexander Van der Bellen has asked Karl Nehammer, the leader of the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP), to form a coalition government. This decision comes despite the fact that the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), led by Herbert Kickl, emerged as the top party in the election, garnering nearly 29% of the vote.

The Freedom Party, known for its anti-immigrant stance and pro-Russia sentiments, had high hopes of leading the next government following its electoral success. However, its ambitions have been thwarted as all other political parties have categorically ruled out the possibility of forming a coalition with Kickl.

During a televised address, President Van der Bellen explained the rationale behind his decision, stating, “It is clear that Kickl would not be able to find a coalition partner who would make him Chancellor.” He emphasized that the electoral process does not guarantee the leading party the right to govern, noting that “the parliamentary election on 29 September is not a race in which the party that crosses the finish line first automatically gets to form the government.”

Van der Bellen further elaborated that for a party to govern alone, it must secure a majority—specifically, more than 50% of the seats. “It is not sufficient to reach 10, 20, or 30%,” he remarked, highlighting the challenges the FPÖ faces in its pursuit of leadership.

The current Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, whose ÖVP came in second with 26.3% of the votes, has been tasked with initiating coalition talks with the Social Democrats (SPÖ), who placed third with 21%. Despite this arrangement, a potential coalition between the ÖVP and SPÖ would yield only a slim majority of just one seat in parliament, raising questions about its stability.

In a statement to the media, Nehammer acknowledged the need for a third partner to ensure a more robust parliamentary majority. This third party could potentially be the Greens or the liberal Neos, both of whom could play a crucial role in solidifying a coalition.

While Nehammer expressed hope for the coalition talks, he remained uncertain about the outcome. “I can’t tell whether these talks and negotiations will actually lead to the formation of a government,” he stated. Nonetheless, he assured the public of his commitment to act “in the spirit of stability, reliability, and responsibility for our country.”

Herbert Kickl, the FPÖ leader, did not take the news lightly. He criticized President Van der Bellen for deviating from Austria’s established political norms by not allowing the electoral winner to lead the government formation process. In a statement on Facebook, Kickl described the president’s actions as a potential “slap in the face” for voters who supported the Freedom Party.

“This might seem like a slap in the face for many of you,” Kickl wrote, addressing his supporters. “But I promise you: the last word has not been spoken. Today is not the end of the story.”

Kickl’s response underscores the rising tensions within Austria’s political landscape, as the Freedom Party grapples with its exclusion from power despite its electoral success. The political stalemate raises significant questions about the future of governance in Austria, particularly regarding how various parties will navigate coalition-building in an increasingly polarized environment.

As coalition talks unfold, the outcome remains uncertain, and the political dynamics in Austria may shift dramatically in the coming weeks. The situation reflects broader trends seen in European politics, where far-right parties have gained traction but often find themselves isolated when it comes to forming governing coalitions.

In summary, Austria’s current political scenario illustrates the complexities of coalition governance in a multi-party system, where electoral victories do not always translate into political power. The future of the Freedom Party and its influence in Austrian politics will depend on how the ongoing negotiations unfold and whether other parties are willing to engage in collaboration with the conservatives or any emerging coalition.