Austria’s Chancellor Nehammer Resigns Amid Failed Talks; FPÖ's Kickl May Form Government

Jan 5, 2025, 09:13 AM

Austria faces a political crisis after Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced his resignation following the collapse of coalition talks between his conservative ÖVP and the social-democratic SPÖ. The negotiations, which initially included the liberal NEOS party before their withdrawal, failed to achieve an agreement on key issues. NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger had earlier announced her party's exit from the talks. Nehammer stated that "an agreement on essential core points is not possible." The ÖVP has appointed General Secretary Christian Stocker as interim party leader, with Nehammer continuing as caretaker Chancellor during the transition. The right-wing Freedom Party (FPÖ), led by Herbert Kickl, is now poised to potentially form a government. Recent polls show the FPÖ leading with 37% support. President Alexander Van der Bellen has noted that resistance within the ÖVP to cooperating with the FPÖ has diminished and has invited Kickl for discussions on Monday to explore the possibility of forming a new government. Austria now awaits the next steps as the possibility of a new coalition under Kickl or new elections loom.