Overview

• 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.