Austria's FPÖ and ÖVP Begin Coalition Talks After Political Turmoil

FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl and new ÖVP chief Christian Stocker set conditions as Austria faces the prospect of a far-right-led government.

The FPÖ, led by Herbert Kickl, has initiated coalition negotiations with the ÖVP after winning the largest share of votes in Austria's recent parliamentary elections.
Christian Stocker, the ÖVP's newly appointed leader, reversed his party's previous stance of excluding the FPÖ, citing the need for political stability following the collapse of other coalition talks.
Key figures within the ÖVP, including interim Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg, have expressed opposition to working under a government led by Kickl, highlighting internal party divisions.
The FPÖ's strong electoral position gives it leverage in negotiations, with the possibility of new elections looming if talks fail, a scenario likely to benefit the far-right party.
Critics warn that a coalition between the FPÖ and ÖVP could shift Austria's policies closer to authoritarian models, raising concerns over democratic norms and European alignment.