Austria's Centrist Parties Form Coalition Government, Excluding Far Right

Austria's three centrist parties—the conservative People's Party (ÖVP), the Social Democrats (SPÖ), and the liberal Neos—have formed a coalition government, effectively sidelining the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), which won the largest share of votes in the recent elections. This agreement concludes five months of political deadlock following the elections in September. Under the leadership of ÖVP's Christian Stocker as Chancellor, the coalition aims to address pressing issues such as migration and economic challenges, including budget deficits and a comprehensive integration program for asylum seekers. The coalition's program includes increased taxation on banks and energy companies, along with strict immigration policies. While the coalition is seen as a historic move, it still requires final approval from Neos party members. FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl has criticized the coalition, calling it a 'coalition of losers' and has called for a snap election to regain power.