Coalition negotiations in Austria face significant challenges as tensions rise between the conservative ÖVP and the FPÖ. Key sticking points include the ÖVP’s demands for a pro-European stance and the avoidance of Russian influence. FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl has proposed a ministry distribution that retains critical control for his party, raising concerns for the ÖVP about its credibility and influence. With 129 days since the election, the potential for the longest government formation in the Second Republic looms.
Current Status of Coalition Negotiations in Austria
This week marks a critical juncture in the coalition negotiations in Austria, which have been described as “challenging” by the conservative ÖVP. Speculations about a potential collapse of talks were circulating in the media, but Herbert Kickl, the leader of the FPÖ and the key figure in forming the government, quickly dismissed these claims. Nevertheless, tensions have been palpable between the two right-wing parties, with an underlying atmosphere of distrust. In response to these challenges, the ÖVP convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday evening, ultimately deciding to persist with the negotiations.
Key Sticking Points in the Coalition Talks
On Wednesday, all parties involved attempted to downplay the situation, emphasizing that significant differences often arise during the final stages of negotiations. However, the ÖVP reiterated its three non-negotiable conditions for a coalition with the FPÖ: a pro-European stance, a commitment to avoiding Russian influence, and the safeguarding of the rule of law. Additionally, the conservatives have insisted on maintaining negotiations “on equal footing.”
Despite the FPÖ’s electoral victory at the end of September, securing 29 percent of the vote—just 2.5 points ahead of the ÖVP—the political dynamics remain complex. Kickl previously made a bold assertion that the ÖVP needs to recognize the electoral outcomes, a statement that created unease within the ÖVP. Its designated leader, Christian Stocker, has voiced that the FPÖ must shift from its far-right position towards the center, a sentiment that did not resonate well with Kickl’s party.
Reports indicate that Kickl has offered the ÖVP seven ministries in the proposed government, while reserving five for the FPÖ. However, he insists on retaining control over critical ministries such as Interior and Finance, and he demands that EU policy, media, and constitutional matters remain under the chancellery’s purview. This proposal has been interpreted as an attempt by the FPÖ to establish a government with conservative support while allowing Kickl to push for significant state restructuring.
For the ÖVP, accepting these terms could jeopardize their already fragile credibility, especially given the political shift towards the FPÖ. Losing control over essential ministries would undermine their influence on crucial issues, including Austrian EU policy. Additionally, the Interior Ministry oversees the domestic intelligence service DSN, which Kickl had previously damaged during his term as minister. This history raises concerns about national security and the potential backlash from international observers if the ÖVP were to concede control of the DSN to the FPÖ.
The outcome of this power struggle remains uncertain. Kickl, known for his uncompromising nature, is asserting his confidence amid positive polling results. Conversely, Stocker must showcase achievements to mitigate any internal dissent stemming from the controversial collaboration with the FPÖ. An editorial in the bourgeois “Presse” reminded the conservatives that alternatives to this coalition exist if the Freedom Party does not relent, suggesting that new elections or the appointment of an expert government could be viable paths forward.
As of now, 129 days have elapsed since the September 2024 election, setting the stage for what could become the longest government formation in the history of the Second Republic. The previous record was established in 1962 when it took 129 days from election to “swearing-in.”