VIENNA (Reuters) – Talks between Austria’s two largest centrist parties aimed at forming a coalition government excluding the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) have collapsed, Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced on Saturday. Nehammer stated his intention to resign in the coming days.
The breakdown in negotiations occurred following the withdrawal of a third party, the small liberal Neos, which criticized the other parties for failing to take decisive action. This development disrupted the discussions, leading to the eventual impasse.
“I will step down as chancellor and leader of the People’s Party in the forthcoming days to facilitate a smooth transition,” Nehammer declared in a video address, as talks with the Social Democrats (SPO) continued without the Neos on Saturday.
The eurosceptic, Russia-friendly FPO emerged victorious in the previous parliamentary election, securing 29% of the vote. With Nehammer’s refusal to collaborate with FPO leader Herbert Kickl, a coalition partner was required for governance, but none were readily available.
Former Green Party leader and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen had entrusted Nehammer with the task of forming a government. However, with Nehammer’s impending resignation, the most probable scenarios entail either Kickl being assigned to establish a government or the calling of a snap election.
Recent polls indicate an increase in support for the FPO since the last election, with a lead of over 10 percentage points over the People’s Party (OVP) and the SPO.
SPO leader Andreas Babler confirmed the breakdown of the talks during a press briefing. Expressing concerns, Babler warned of potential risks associated with an FPO-OVP government led by a right-wing extremist chancellor, emphasizing the potential threats to democracy.
(Reporting by Francois Murphy; editing by Jason Neely)
