Austria’s political crisis is deepening

Austria is facing a deeper political crisis after the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) abandoned attempts to form a coalition government with the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP). This marks the second failed attempt to form a coalition since the elections in September.

FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl attributed the failure to disagreements with the ÖVP, particularly over ministerial appointments1. He has called for new elections. The Freedom Party, which has roots in the 1950s with former Nazis, won the most votes in September’s elections, campaigning on stricter migration rules and a Eurosceptic stance.

The ÖVP’s Alexander Pröll accused Kickl of being unwilling to compromise and on a “power trip”. Political analyst Thomas Hofer noted a significant “lack of trust” between the parties, with the ÖVP ultimately deeming it too risky to cede control of major ministries to Kickl.

President Alexander Van der Bellen outlined four potential paths forward for Austria: elections, a minority government, a government of experts, or renewed attempts by parliamentary parties to form a government1610. He plans to discuss these options with Austria’s political parties.