Skepticism among the population: majority against FPÖ-ÖVP coalition!

Skepticism among the population: majority against FPÖ-ÖVP coalition!

The political waves in Austria are running high! A recent survey by “Unique Research” for “Today” shows that Austrians are divided over a possible coalition between the FPÖ and the ÖVP under Chancellor Herbert Kickl. 47 percent reject such cooperation, while 45 percent support it. This is a marked change compared to the survey in May 2024, when 59 percent were against the coalition while only 31 percent were in favor. What is particularly striking is the high level of support among FPÖ supporters: a whopping 89 percent of them support the connection. In contrast, ÖVP voters are undecided, with 50 percent against and 48 percent for a blue-black coalition.

Negotiations between FPÖ and ÖVP

The right-wing populist FPÖ was the strongest force in the September elections, with 29 percent of the vote, followed by the ÖVP with 26 percent. What is surprising is that the ÖVP, which had ruled out a coalition with the FPÖ under Kickl during the election campaign, is now conducting negotiations. Florian Gasser, head of the Vienna office of the weekly newspaper “Die Zeit”, sharply criticizes this turn of events and speaks of a possible loss of trust for the ÖVP, which could disappoint its voters. However, the ÖVP emphasizes that it wants to preserve fundamental principles such as the preservation of liberal democracy and EU membership in the negotiations. Whether the FPÖ will accept these conditions remains to be seen as tensions in the political atmosphere rise WDR reports.

The situation could also have an impact on the Neos, who could emerge as possible winners from this political development. Experts believe that many middle-class voters will defect from the ÖVP if the blue-black coalition comes into being. The political markers have been set and time will show how the parties will master this transformation.