In a recent interview, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen confirmed that he has asked Karl Nehammer, the leader of the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) and the current Chancellor, to spearhead the formation of a coalition government. This decision comes in the aftermath of the far-right Freedom Party’s significant electoral success last month, where they secured nearly 29% of the vote.
Despite this impressive showing, President Van der Bellen noted that other political parties are unwilling to partner with Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl. He emphasized, “It has become clear that Kickl would not be able to find a coalition partner who would make him Chancellor.”
Reflecting on the electoral process, the 80-year-old president remarked in a televised address, “The parliamentary election on September 29 is not a race where the first party to cross the finish line automatically forms the government. To govern alone, a party must clear the 50% hurdle; 10, 20, or even 30% is insufficient.”
In light of the recent election results, Van der Bellen invited Nehammer, whose party finished second with 26.3% of the vote, to engage in coalition discussions with the third-placed Social Democrats, who garnered 21%. However, a potential alliance between the conservatives and Social Democrats would only yield a slim majority of one seat.
To secure a more stable parliamentary majority, Nehammer indicated the necessity of a third coalition partner, possibly from the Greens or the liberal Neos party. When asked about the potential outcome of these negotiations, Nehammer acknowledged the uncertainty, stating, “I can’t tell whether these talks will actually lead to government formation. What I can assure you is that I will act with stability, reliability, and responsibility for our country.”
In response, Herbert Kickl took to Facebook to criticize the President’s decision, stating that it breaks away from Austria’s established political norms by not allowing the election winner the chance to form a government. He expressed his discontent, calling it a “slap in the face” for many citizens, but reassured supporters that this situation is not the final word in the ongoing political discourse. “Today is not the end of the story,” he asserted.
