The People’s Party (ÖVP), Social Democrats (SPÖ) and NEOS are expected to unveil their government programme by mid-week, as negotiations to form Austria’s first-ever three-way coalition government approach completion.

Key points are set to be finalised by Wednesday or Thursday, with the government’s inauguration likely to take place the following week, most probably on Monday, 3 March, according to sources within the negotiating teams.

Ministries Near Final Agreement, Stocker to Be Chancellor

The distribution of ministries is largely settled, with ÖVP chairman Christian Stocker confirmed as Chancellor, with several other ÖVP ministers in the outgoing ÖVP-Green Party government, including Gerhard Karner (Interior), Klaudia Tanner (Defence) and Norbert Totschnig (Agriculture), expected to retain their positions.

Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer is tipped to take the Ministry of Economic Affairs, although Styrian regional minister Barbara Eibinger-Miedl remains a candidate. Former State Secretary Claudia Plakolm is also seen as a potential contender for the Chancellery, with the possibility of overseeing youth and family affairs.

The SPÖ’s leadership roles are taking shape as well, with Sven Hergovich, leader of Lower Austria’s SPÖ, the favourite for the Ministry of Infrastructure. Austrian Trade Union Federation Vice-President Korinna Schumann is expected to head the Ministry of Social Affairs, while Eva-Maria Holzleitner, Women’s Chair, is likely to become Minister for Women.

The SPÖ is also expected to take the Ministry of Finance, though no final decision has been reached. The Ministry of Justice is also likely to go to the SPÖ.

NEOS Gets Two Ministries

It has been confirmed that NEOS will be granted two ministries, with the Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Education the most likely appointments. Party leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Vienna’s Deputy Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr are the leading candidates for these roles.