Christian Stocker sworn in as Austria's chancellor, leads coalition government

Christian Stocker has been sworn in as Austria's new chancellor, leading a three-party coalition government formed after five months of political deadlock following the far-right Freedom Party's electoral success in September. Stocker, from the conservative People's Party (ÖVP), was appointed by President Alexander Van der Bellen during a ceremony at Vienna's Hofburg Palace. The coalition includes the Social Democrats and the liberal Neos party, with the ÖVP overseeing the interior and defense ministries, while the Social Democrats manage finance and justice, and Neos heads foreign affairs. The new administration faces significant challenges, including rising unemployment and a strained budget, alongside a commitment to stricter asylum policies. Despite not campaigning for the chancellorship, Stocker expressed optimism about the government’s prospects. However, potential tensions within the coalition are anticipated due to differing party interests.