Austria Forms Historic Coalition to Block Far-Right Leadership

The conservative ÖVP, social-democratic SPÖ, and liberal NEOS unite in a fragile three-party agreement, sidelining the far-right FPÖ despite its electoral victory.

The coalition agreement, finalized on February 27, marks Austria's first three-party government since 1945, comprising the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS.
Christian Stocker, leader of the ÖVP, is set to become chancellor, with the coalition's formal ratification expected by March 2.
The far-right FPÖ, led by Herbert Kickl, won the September 2024 elections but failed to form a government due to its radical positions and euroscepticism.
The coalition program emphasizes fiscal austerity, restrictive immigration policies, and a pro-European stance to counter FPÖ's influence.
Political analysts highlight the coalition's fragility, with tensions over differing priorities and the FPÖ polling strongly for potential future elections.

Courrier International