Political crisis in Austria: How is it after Kickl's resignation?

Political crisis in Austria: How is it after Kickl's resignation?

A political crisis is brewed in Austria after the coalition negotiations between the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) and the People's Party (ÖVP) failed. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen announced that they will have talks with partisan leaders in the coming days in order to explore possible government formations. As OE24 reported several options, including new elections, a minority government or an expert government. The resignation of FPÖ boss Herbert Kickl from the government's mandate has further complicated, whereby the latter has taken on responsibility for the failure of the ÖVP talks, which in his opinion did not accommodate him sufficiently.

government formation in the crisis

The failure of the negotiations also surprises van der Bellen, who had to navigate in the past through crises. According to tagesschau.de , the Federal President has already communicated with Kickl and scheduled a meeting to discuss the political situation. Political analysts indicate that a coalition of the FPÖ becomes realistic with the ÖVP, especially after the voices within the ÖVP that could be against cooperation have weakened. Christian Stocker, the new executive party leader of the ÖVP, has signaled his willingness to have such conversations, which means that the door for the FPÖ is open as a ruling party. Historically, this could mean a concise snapshot for Van der Bellen, since it could probably be the first Federal President to swear a government led by the FPÖ.

The political situation remains tense and it is expected that the upcoming talks about the formation of government are decisive for the future direction of the country. Van der Bellen emphasized the need for a government -capable government with a stable majority, while he wants to see the basic principles of Austrian democracy respected. The country therefore faces a pioneering decision as to whether the FPÖ, which has come under great pressure in the past through the Ibiza scandal, can come back to power.