Austria's Freedom Party Seeks Coalition Government

Following the far-right Freedom Party's (FPO) historic victory in Austria's recent election, Chancellor Karl Nehammer of the conservative People's Party (OVP) has called on President Alexander Van der Bellen to task the FPO with forming a coalition. The FPO secured approximately 29% of the vote but lacks the majority needed to govern alone, and other parties have expressed reluctance to partner with them. Public protests have erupted in Vienna against the possibility of an FPO coalition, urging the OVP to avoid past alliances. Nehammer emphasized the tradition of allowing the election winner to initiate coalition talks, while political analysts suggest a potential three-way alliance with smaller parties may be more viable. As discussions unfold, President Van der Bellen is expected to clarify the next steps in the coalition formation process amidst increasing scrutiny of the FPO's past and policies.