Austria’s political landscape and the country as a whole is set for a major shift as coalition talks between the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) and the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) begin.
This unexpected development follows months of ultimately failed negotiations to form a government without the FPÖ and despite the conservatives previously ruling out working with far-right leader Herbert Kickl.
But it seems now the FPÖ’s success in September’s national elections, in which it garnered 28 percent of the vote, really did mark a turning point in Austrian politics.
Kickl has repeatedly positioned himself as Austria’s next chancellor - or the “People’s Chancellor”, as he dubs himself.
And now, with, key conservative ÖVP figures are leaving politics or taking on new roles, Kickl looks to be in the driving seat for reshaping Austria’s political future. Here’s a look at the latest developments.
From Nehammer to Schallenberg: Austria’s new caretaker chancellor
The resignation of Chancellor Karl Nehammer marked the end of the ÖVP’s attempts to form a government without the FPÖ.
After coalition talks with the Social Democrats (SPÖ) and NEOS collapsed, Nehammer stepped down, paving the way for coalition negotiations with Kickl’s FPÖ.
READ ALSO: Austria's Schallenberg returns as caretaker chancellor amid far-right coalition negotiations
Alexander Schallenberg, Austria’s foreign minister and a veteran ÖVP politician, has stepped in as caretaker chancellor.
Schallenberg, who briefly served as chancellor in 2021, is tasked with maintaining the government’s operations until a new coalition is formed. Despite his temporary role, Schallenberg has made it clear he will not serve in a government led by Kickl, reflecting broader resistance within the ÖVP to working with the far-right leader.
A wave of resignations and new roles for ÖVP leaders
As coalition talks between the ÖVP and FPÖ gain momentum, several high-profile ÖVP politicians have announced their departure from federal politics.
Education Minister Martin Polaschek confirmed he will retire from politics at the end of his term, stating that he has no intention of serving in a coalition with the FPÖ. Similarly, Alexander Schallenberg, now serving as caretaker chancellor, has reiterated that he would not participate in an FPÖ-led government, underlining his earlier position that he "cannot imagine a federal government under the leadership of Kickl."
Media and Integration Minister Susanne Raab is pursuing the leadership of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), where she hopes to influence global migration policy. Karoline Edtstadler, formerly Austria’s Minister for European Affairs, has shifted to regional politics and will become the Governor of Salzburg this summer.
Challenges ahead for the ÖVP and FPÖ
Negotiations between the ÖVP and FPÖ are now underway, with both parties acknowledging the scale of the challenges ahead.
The budget, which caused significant discord during the failed ÖVP-SPÖ-NEOS talks, is expected to dominate discussions. Austria faces a significant budget deficit, and differences in fiscal priorities could complicate negotiations.
The ÖVP’s interim leader, Christian Stocker, has outlined key conditions for a coalition, including respecting EU commitments, upholding fundamental rights, and ensuring media diversity. These demands come amid concerns about the FPÖ’s increasingly Eurosceptic agenda.
At the same time, protests against a potential ÖVP-FPÖ government have gained momentum. Demonstrations organised by groups such as SOS Mitmensch and Greenpeace took place in Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz, highlighting public unease about a government led by Kickl.
READ ALSO: How Austria’s far-right FPÖ navigated 40 years of coalition highs and corruption scandals
What’s next?
The coalition talks are expected to take at least a month, with both parties navigating sensitive issues such as Austria’s budget deficit and EU commitments. In the meantime, Schallenberg will continue to steer Austria’s government in a caretaker capacity.
For the ÖVP, this is a critical moment. The party must balance the demands of its more conservative members with the concerns of moderates who oppose working with the FPÖ.
Meanwhile, the FPÖ will seek to solidify its position as a governing force, with Kickl eyeing the chancellery.
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