Austria’s Far-Right FPÖ Abandons Coalition Talks, Calls for New Elections

Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) has announced the end of its coalition talks with the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP), marking the second failed attempt to form a government since September’s election.

The ÖVP initially sought a three-party coalition with the Social Democrats and liberal NEOS, then attempted a two-party deal with the Social Democrats—both efforts collapsed. Now, with the FPÖ unable to secure a coalition, Austria faces political uncertainty.

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FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl has blamed the ÖVP for the breakdown, accusing it of refusing to compromise and engaging in “power games.” Calling for swift new elections, he stated: “Although we made concessions, the ÖVP was unwilling to make decisive compromises. They were focused on power—while we prioritized security, prosperity, and honesty.”

Earlier, Kickl informed President Alexander Van der Bellen that he was relinquishing his mandate to form a government. Had negotiations succeeded, it would have been Austria’s first far-right-led government since the FPÖ’s founding by former Nazis in the 1950s.

The FPÖ, known for its pro-Russia and Eurosceptic stance, made history in September’s election by securing 28.8% of the vote—its first-ever victory—narrowly edging out Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s ÖVP, which received 26.3%.

In October, President Alexander Van der Bellen initially tasked Karl Nehammer with forming a government. However, negotiations collapsed in early January, prompting Nehammer’s resignation and the appointment of interim Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg.

On 6 January, after failed attempts to form a coalition without the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), Van der Bellen gave FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl the mandate to form a government.

Typically, coalition negotiations in Austria are kept secret until a decision is reached. However, in recent days, both the FPÖ and the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) made public statements about their demands, signaling trouble in the talks.

The FPÖ sought control of both the finance and interior ministries, a demand the ÖVP strongly opposed. Meanwhile, the ÖVP insisted on guarantees that Austria would remain free of Russian influence and continue as a reliable EU partner.

On Wednesday, Kickl announced he was relinquishing his mandate, stating that while the FPÖ had made concessions, the ÖVP had been inflexible. “We deeply regret this outcome,” he said.

ÖVP General Secretary Alexander Pröll blamed Kickl for the failure, accusing him of being on a “power trip” and refusing to compromise. He claimed that Kickl participated in negotiations for only seven hours over five weeks and was fixated on securing total control rather than forming a stable centre-right government.

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Political analyst Thomas Hofer told the BBC that a lack of trust between the two parties was a key factor. “Kickl tried to follow Trump’s ‘promises kept’ playbook, but that’s difficult in a coalition. The ÖVP ultimately decided that giving up the two key ministries to a Chancellor Kickl they couldn’t control was too risky,” he said.

The ÖVP was the only party willing to negotiate with the FPÖ. Now, Austria faces four potential paths: fresh elections, a minority government, a government of experts, or another attempt at forming a coalition.

President Van der Bellen said he would consult with Austria’s political parties in the coming days to determine the most viable solution.

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