Austria’s new government was sworn in on Monday, concluding five months of political uncertainty following last September’s parliamentary elections. Christian Stocker, leader of the center-right Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), officially took office as chancellor, leading a three-party coalition with the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) and the liberal NEOS. The coalition deal, finalized last week, came after months of negotiations and multiple failed attempts to form a government.
Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) won the largest share of votes in the election but was unable to secure a majority or form a viable coalition. This paved the way for the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS to join forces, forming Austria’s first three-party coalition since the late 1940s. President Alexander Van der Bellen presided over the swearing-in ceremony at Vienna’s presidential palace, emphasizing the responsibility that lies ahead.
“The nation expects action, not just words,” he stated, urging the new government to deliver on its promises. The coalition agreement outlines plans to implement stricter asylum policies, revise tenancy laws, and introduce austerity measures to address the national budget deficit. The new Cabinet consists of nine ministers from the ÖVP, nine from the SPÖ, and three from NEOS. Among key appointments, NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger has been named Austria’s foreign minister, marking her party’s first time in national government.
Austria’s far-right FPÖ fails to form a ruling coalition
NEOS will also oversee the Education Ministry and is expected to push for pension reform, budget cuts, and deregulation. The FPÖ, which had hoped to lead Austria’s next government, has strongly criticized the coalition, calling it an alliance of “losers.” Party leader Herbert Kickl condemned the agreement and called for a snap election. However, efforts by the FPÖ to form a government collapsed in recent months, with both the ÖVP and SPÖ refusing to enter into a coalition with the far-right party. The new government took shape after NEOS members overwhelmingly approved the coalition deal in a party vote on Sunday, securing the final step for its formation.
Nearly 94% of NEOS members voted in favor of the 200-page agreement, allowing the swearing-in to proceed as planned. Austria’s prolonged coalition talks reflect broader political challenges across Europe, where traditional parties are grappling with the rise of far-right movements. In neighboring Germany, coalition negotiations are underway following elections last week, with center-right leader Friedrich Merz beginning talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats. The outcome in Austria may serve as a model for centrist alliances seeking to counterbalance nationalist parties across the continent. – By Eurowire News Desk.