Austria gets three-party coalition, without far-right FPÖ

After the early parliamentary elections in Austria in September, the course has been set for the formation of a new three-party coalition. The Christian Democratic ÖVP and the Social Democratic SPÖ have asked the liberal NEOS to participate in the formation of a new government. Together, the ÖVP and SPÖ have a majority of only one seat. 

If the country's second and third parties reach an agreement with the NEOS liberals next week, it will be the first time that Austria has a three-party coalition. It also means that the far-right FPÖ, which won the election and became the largest party, will be kept out of government.

NEOS faction leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger made it clear that NEOS will only join if significant reforms are implemented, especially in the areas of education and transparency. This has broadened the discussion about forming a coalition, but has also increased the complexity of the negotiations.

It had already become clear during the election campaign that the other parties wanted nothing to do with cooperation with the extreme positions and views of FPÖ party leader Hebert Kickl. That is why Federal President Alexander Von der Bellen (Greens) decided to give the formation task to the leaders of the second and third parties. In light of the political uncertainty, Van der Bellen called on all parties to be prepared to 'tread new paths'

ÖVP leader Nehammer left it open whether an agreement can ultimately be reached. He wants to look at a 'high tempo' in the ieder case, but also at 'seriousness'. Many different perspectives make it possible to find the best solutions for iedereen, according to SPÖ negotiator Babler.

Observers in Vienna point out that it will be a tough job to get ÖVP and SPÖ on the same page, as the two parties have major differences of opinion on many issues. The chance of a three-party agreement is considered greater than a two-party agreement. The SPÖ has fiercely opposed the ÖVP coalition with the Greens in recent years.

The Greens have accepted that they will be kept out of the new government for the time being, even though the formation negotiations have not yet been successfully concluded. But the party leadership says that it is of the utmost importance that the FPÖ is kept out of the center of power. The Greens would "accept the role of constructive opposition with a sense of responsibility," promised party chairman Kogler.

Another element that has influenced the political context are the recent protests during the national holiday, where thousands of demonstrators demonstrated against the new parliamentary speaker Rosenkranz (FPÖ) laying a wreath at the commemoration of Kristallnacht and the persecution of the Jews. 

The new parliamentary speaker was elected last month with the support of 100 of the 183 parliamentary seats. The FPÖ has 57 seats. Even if the parliamentarians of his party voted unanimously for Rosenkranz, he must have had support from other factions. Many Austrians reacted with shock to this.