Chaos in Vienna: formation of a government between the FPÖ and ÖVP has finally failed!

Chaos in Vienna: formation of a government between the FPÖ and ÖVP has finally failed!

In a dramatic turning point in Austrian politics, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl resigned from his mandate to form a government on February 12, 2025. This happened after intense, long-simmering conflicts with the ÖVP, which is under the new leadership of Christian Stocker. The talks about a possible coalition between the ÖVP and FPÖ have failed for the time being, while the tension between the two parties is becoming publicly noticeable. Mattle, a prominent politician from Tyrol, was critical of Kickl's claims to power within the FPÖ and called for a three-party coalition without SPÖ leader Andreas Babler to advance negotiations ORF Tirol reports.

Complicated government formation

The beginnings of the formation of a government after the National Council elections in September 2025 were marked by conflicts. The FPÖ won 28.8 percent of the vote, followed by the ÖVP with 26.3 percent and the SPÖ with 21.1 percent. After Karl Nehammer was tasked with forming a government as Chancellor and talks with the SPÖ and NEOS failed, Herbert Kickl took over the negotiations. However, they suffered a similar fate as Kickl and Nehammer were unable to reach an agreement. The situation escalated further after various attempts to form a stable coalition failed on fundamental reform plans and budget issues, such as Small newspaper reports.

The hardships of the past few months have dramatically changed the political landscape in Austria, and the alternatives to forming a government are becoming increasingly limited. After Kickl's withdrawal, it remains unclear what will happen next in the government, while the chances of a stable coalition are dwindling.