Austrian Far-Right Fails to Form Government After Coalition Talks Collapse

Negotiations between the far-right FPÖ and the conservative ÖVP break down, leading to political uncertainty and potential new elections.

The far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), led by Herbert Kickl, abandoned efforts to form a government with the conservative Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) after weeks of failed negotiations.
Key sticking points included disputes over control of the Interior Ministry, with the ÖVP resisting FPÖ demands due to concerns about national security and ties to Russia.
The FPÖ's hardline stances, such as ending carbon taxes and adopting a strict anti-immigration policy, clashed with the ÖVP's calls for compromise and pro-European alignment.
Tens of thousands of protesters in Vienna voiced opposition to the FPÖ potentially leading the government, citing threats to human rights and democratic norms.
With no agreement reached, Austria faces the prospect of new elections, where the FPÖ is currently polling at 35%, significantly ahead of the ÖVP and other parties.