Austrian Chancellor, Karl Nehammer to Resign After Coalition Talks Collapse

• Austria’s Chancellor Karl Nehammer announces resignation after failed coalition talks.
• Far-right FPÖ gains momentum, calls for new elections amid political deadlock.
• September’s election dominated by migration, economy, and Ukraine war concerns.

Austria’s Chancellor Karl Nehammer has announced he will step down as both chancellor and leader of the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) in the coming days, following the collapse of coalition talks.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the negotiations between the ÖVP, the Social Democrats (SPÖ), and the liberal Neos failed to yield agreements on key issues, with the Neos formally exiting the discussions on Friday.

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The breakdown of talks comes after the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) secured an unprecedented victory in September’s general election, winning nearly 29% of the vote. However, other parties refused to consider a coalition with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl.

The collapse leaves two potential paths forward: the ÖVP could negotiate with the FPÖ, or Austria might face a fresh election. Analysts suggest the FPÖ would favour new elections, as opinion polls indicate its popularity has continued to grow since September.

The FPÖ, known for its hardline stance on migration and asylum, criticized the coalition talks, stating on X that “three months have been lost” and accusing President Alexander Van der Bellen and SPÖ leader Andreas Babler of contributing to the current “chaos.”

In September’s election, the ÖVP came second with 26.3%, and the SPÖ third with 21%, in a contest marked by high voter turnout (77.3%) and dominated by concerns over migration, the economy, and the war in Ukraine.

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FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl campaigned on a platform promising to build “Fortress Austria,” enforce stricter immigration rules, and implement “remigration” policies aimed at sending asylum seekers back to their countries of origin.

Founded in the 1950s by former Nazis, the FPÖ has faced controversy over its far-right roots. Shortly before last year’s election, FPÖ candidates were filmed at a funeral where an SS-era song was sung.

The party denied the song had any connection to National Socialist ideology, despite its historical associations.

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