Austria's President Tasks Far-Right FPÖ Leader Kickl with Forming Government, First Since World War II

Jan 6, 2025, 12:23 PM

Austria's conservative party, the ÖVP, has broken off coalition negotiations with the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) and the centrist NEOS, citing irreconcilable differences on key issues, according to statements from ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer. Following the failed talks, President Alexander Van der Bellen met with far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) leader Herbert Kickl on Monday. Van der Bellen has now formally tasked Kickl with forming a new government, making the FPÖ leader the first far-right politician to receive such a mandate since World War II. Kickl could become Austria's chancellor if he successfully forms a coalition, likely with the ÖVP. Van der Bellen stated he will ensure that constitutional rules are respected during the process.