Politics Austria: ÖVP enters coalition talks with FPÖ
The right-wing FPÖ and the conservative ÖVP are beginning negotiations on a coalition government in Austria. This has been agreed by the leaders of both parties, the ÖVP announced.
09.01.2025, 19:18
SDA
Following the FPÖ's election victory in the autumn, the previous chancellor's party, the ÖVP, had initially tried to forge a coalition of centrist parties. After these talks collapsed last weekend, FPÖ leader Kickl was given the government mandate by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and thus the chance to become chancellor.
"We are entering into negotiations with the FPÖ," said ÖVP leader Christian Stocker. He once again emphasized liberal democracy, Austria's EU membership and the rejection of Russian influence as the "most important cornerstones" for his party. He was thus indirectly addressing the FPÖ's EU-critical and Russia-friendly stance.
The ÖVP and FPÖ are largely united in their restrictive stance against immigration. It is still unclear whether they will be able to overcome their foreign policy differences and deep mutual mistrust to form a government.
