Following recent elections, the Christian-democratic ÖVP, the social-democratic SPÖ, and the liberal NEOS are negotiating a three-party coalition, excluding the far-right FPÖ who had won the elections. In recent years, the ÖVP governed in a coalition with the Greens, who are now likely to move to the opposition benches.
The Christian-democratic ÖVP has historically strong ties with farmers. However, the coalition talks with the SPÖ and liberal NEOS require considerable compromises. The SPÖ places great importance on social justice and environmental protection, while the NEOS advocates for strong reforms and liberalization. This could create tensions in negotiations over a common agricultural policy.
So far, talks between the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS have been difficult, but dialogue continues with the goal of forming a stable government with broad support early next year. The agricultural sector hopes their wishlist will be taken seriously. If the three prospective coalition parties embrace the wishlist, this could lead to a restructuring of agricultural policy. The agricultural unions point out that if nothing changes, the long-standing shrinkage of the agricultural sector will continue.