Nehammer Resigns After Coalition Talks Collapse

• Karl Nehammer announced his resignation “in the coming days” via social media on Saturday. He pledged to ensure a smooth transition and expressed gratitude for serving the country.
• The resignation follows the breakdown of coalition negotiations between the ÖVP and SPÖ. Nehammer cited irreconcilable differences on key issues.
• The ÖVP board unanimously designated Christian Stocker as acting ÖVP chairman on Sunday. Stocker will make his first public statement in the role at a press conference.

Coalition Negotiations Breakdown

• SPÖ leader Andreas Babler criticized the ÖVP for prioritizing a potential coalition with the far-right FPÖ. During the talks, he accused the ÖVP of walking away from compromises and imposing cuts to pensions, healthcare, and public services.
• NEOS withdrew from the coalition talks earlier, citing a lack of ambition for reforms and mutual grievances between ÖVP and SPÖ.
• Babler warned of a potential ÖVP-FPÖ coalition, which could lead to a far-right chancellor.

Federal President’s Role

• Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen was briefed on the situation and is expected to outline the next steps. He had originally tasked Nehammer with forming a government, bypassing FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, despite the FPÖ’s electoral success.
• Nehammer is anticipated to return the government formation mandate to Van der Bellen, leaving the path forward unclear.

What’s Next for Austria?

• While Stocker is now acting ÖVP chairman, it remains unclear who will assume the chancellor role.
• Observers speculate on fresh elections, a coalition with the FPÖ, or extended negotiations with the Greens.
• Van der Bellen is expected to speak soon to clarify the government’s formation process and address the political crisis.

Key Quotes

• Karl Nehammer (ÖVP): “It has been an honor to serve the country. Stability and moderation must continue.”
• Andreas Babler (SPÖ): “Negotiations cannot be a one-way street. The SPÖ will remain a strong voice for social policy.”
• Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS): “ÖP and SPÖ are incapable of moving past their grievances and developing a shared vision.”

Van der Bellen Asks FPÖ to Form Government

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has invited the leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), Herbert Kickl, to form a government after attempts to establish a centrist coalition collapsed over the weekend.

Speaking at the Hofburg Palace on Monday, Van der Bellen said the decision had not been made lightly.

“However, it is still my constitutional duty to explore the possibility of a government with more than 50%,” he said. “Kickl believes he is capable of finding solutions within the framework of government negotiations and is willing to take responsibility.”

“I will ensure that the principles and rules of the constitution are properly adhered to,” the president added.

The FPÖ, known for its anti-immigration rhetoric, anti-Semitism and ties to Russia, had been sidelined during coalition talks despite securing a historic 29% of the vote in September’s parliamentary elections.