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Austria's ÖVP Enters Coalition Talks with Far-Right FPÖ Amid Mass Protests

Jan 9, 2025, 07:20 PM

Austria's conservative People's Party (ÖVP) has agreed to enter coalition negotiations with the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) to form a new government, following the collapse of talks with the Social Democrats (SPÖ) and the NEOS party. Herbert Kickl, leader of the FPÖ, is poised to become Austria's next Chancellor. The move came after ÖVP leader and Chancellor Karl Nehammer resigned from both positions. Alexander Schallenberg, the Foreign Minister, has been appointed as interim Chancellor by President Alexander Van der Bellen—the second time he has assumed the role. The potential coalition between the ÖVP and FPÖ has sparked widespread protests across Austria, with tens of thousands of people demonstrating in cities like Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, and Innsbruck against the inclusion of the far-right in government. Under the slogan 'Alarm for the Republic,' up to 50,000 protesters gathered in Vienna, with chants such as 'Never again is now' and 'Nazis out of our future.' Some ÖVP members have expressed dissent over the coalition talks, with reports of party resignations. Opinion polls show the FPÖ leading with up to 39% support, approaching 40%, ahead of the ÖVP and SPÖ. The developments have raised concerns about the potential impact on Austria's relationship with the European Union.