Austrian Chancellor Nehammer Resigns Amid Political Stalemate

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced his resignation following the failure of coalition talks between the People's Party and the Social Democrats (SPO), after the liberal Neos party withdrew from discussions. Nehammer's resignation underscores the challenges in forming stable governments in Europe, compounded by the rise of far-right parties like the Eurosceptic, Russia-friendly FPO, which recently won 29% of the vote. The People's Party refused to partner with FPO leader Herbert Kickl, leaving no viable coalition partner. Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen will now consider whether to task Kickl with forming a government or call for a snap election. The FPO's increasing popularity raises concerns about potential governance by a right-wing extremist chancellor, as expressed by SPO leader Andreas Babler.