Turnaround in Austria: Van der Bellen instructs FPÖ leader to lead coalition talks!

Turnaround in Austria: Van der Bellen instructs FPÖ leader to lead coalition talks!

On January 7, 2025, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen commissioned FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl to form a coalition government. This follows failed attempts to install a center-left coalition and marks a dramatic change of course by the president, who has sharply criticized the FPÖ in the past. The FPÖ, which won the last election with 29% of the vote, will now negotiate with the conservative ÖVP over a possible government formation after talks failed under former Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who announced his resignation as a result of these setbacks CNN reported.

The new situation could pave the way for the FPÖ to lead a government for the first time since its founding in the 1950s. After the meeting with Van der Bellen, Kickl simply said, “Now it’s the Federal President’s turn.” Van der Bellen, however, pointed out that given the results of the elections and the current economic challenges, respect for the voter mandate is necessary. The President emphasized that he would continue to ensure compliance with the Constitution and the basic principles of democracy. Amid this political turmoil, numerous people, including Jewish students and left-wing activists, protested against the possible formation of a government under Kickl and chanted slogans such as “Nazis out,” reported Today.at.

Meanwhile, ÖVP leader-designate Christian Stocker has announced that his party will take part in coalition talks now that the red lines under Nehammer no longer exist. Both parties appear to have similar views on several issues, particularly immigration policy. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, a new election could be threatened. The current opinion poll shows that the FPÖ has increased in popularity since September. Meanwhile, Van der Bellen remains vigilant to ensure that humanitarian rights and democratic principles continue to be respected.