Austrian Conservatives Pursue Coalition with Freedom Party

Austria's conservative party, the ÖVP, has shifted its stance and is now open to negotiations with the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) for forming a government, following the collapse of coalition talks with centrist parties. Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced his resignation after failing to secure a coalition with the Social Democrats and NEOS, prompting the appointment of Christian Stocker as the interim leader of the ÖVP. Stocker emphasized the need for a stable government and expressed readiness to accept an invitation from FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl for discussions. President Alexander Van der Bellen plans to meet with Kickl to address the new political situation, noting that opposition within the ÖVP to cooperating with the FPÖ has diminished. The FPÖ, which won nearly 29% of the vote in the recent elections, advocates for stricter immigration policies and a Eurosceptic agenda. This situation marks a significant potential shift in Austria's political landscape, as the far-right party seeks its first role in government since its electoral success.