By Francois Murphy
VIENNA (Reuters) – Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) leader met with President Alexander Van der Bellen on Monday with the expectation of being tasked with forming a coalition government following the collapse of a centrist attempt to do so without the FPO over the weekend.
The eurosceptic and Russia-friendly FPO, established in the 1950s by a former senior officer in Hitler’s elite paramilitary SS, emerged victorious in a parliamentary election for the first time in September, securing over 29% of the vote. While the FPO has previously been in power as a junior coalition partner, it has never led a government.
In a brief Facebook post on Sunday evening, FPO leader Herbert Kickl reiterated a populist slogan from his campaign, stating, “First the people and then the chancellor,” and added that he would reserve comments until after meeting Van der Bellen. Kickl arrived for the scheduled meeting at Van der Bellen’s office at 11 a.m. (1000 GMT), with the President expected to address the media shortly after the conclusion of the meeting.
Van der Bellen drew criticism from the FPO for not immediately appointing them to form a government after the election, as no potential coalition partner immediately emerged. Instead, the conservative People’s Party (OVP) and its leader Chancellor Karl Nehammer were given the task. The OVP, which came second in the election, saw Nehammer’s attempts to form coalitions with other centrist parties collapse over the weekend, leading to his resignation.
Nehammer had long maintained that his party would not collaborate with FPO leader Herbert Kickl, labeling him a conspiracy theorist and security risk. With Nehammer stepping down, that stance no longer stands. Christian Stocker, the interim leader of the OVP, stated on Sunday that the party would participate in any coalition discussions led by Kickl.
Amidst the uncertainty, Wilfried Haslauer, a prominent OVP member and the governor of Salzburg state, emphasized that the outcome of potential coalition talks remained open. In the event of failed negotiations, a snap election is probable, with polls indicating increased support for the FPO since September.
The OVP and FPO find common ground on various issues, notably a tough stance on immigration. Disagreements, however, arise on dealing with the budget deficit, projected to surpass the EU’s 3% limit of economic output in 2024 and 2025. While both parties advocate for tax reductions, the FPO aims to dismantle some of the OVP’s entrenched interests, such as the influential Chamber of Commerce. Discord also exists over the FPO’s opposition to aid for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and existing plans for a missile defense system.
Van der Bellen, a former leader of the left-wing Greens, has emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles, including human rights, independent media, and Austria’s EU membership. Not
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