Christian Stocker (ÖVP) was sworn in as Austria’s new Chancellor by President Alexander Van der Bellen at the Hofburg in Vienna on Monday morning. The leader of the ÖVP heads the first government formed by the People’s Party, SPÖ, and NEOS. The coalition consists of 14 members, along with seven secretaries of state.
For Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, and Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig (all ÖVP), the swearing-in was not a new experience, as they previously held the same positions in the black-green coalition. Former State Secretary Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) will now take on a ministerial role. Meanwhile, former Transport Minister Jörg Leichtfried (SPÖ) moves into a secretary of state position in the Ministry of the Interior.
All three party leaders—Stocker, Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ), and new Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS)—are joining the federal government for the first time.
Suggestions from the President
President Van der Bellen expressed his satisfaction with the coalition talks, noting that everyone had made compromises. He pointed out that staying stubborn might have been tempting, but “being stubborn doesn’t create a government.”
He urged the new government to support the economy and the welfare state, and to strategically secure peace in Austria and Europe. Van der Bellen identified climate change as one of the greatest threats and emphasized that combating it could not be delayed. He called for “reasonable” regulations on migration and integration and stressed the need to strengthen liberal democracy, which is under threat from populism and fake news. He wished the government “good fortune” in addressing these tasks.
Previous Government Members Relieved of Their Duties
Before the swearing-in, the previous government members were officially relieved of their duties. Van der Bellen had spoken with the new ministers over the weekend, apparently finding them fit for office.
The government then proceeded together to the Hofburg at around 10:40 AM for the ceremony. There, ministers and secretaries of state were awaited by their family members, who attended the event.
Stocker Sworn in First
As per protocol, Chancellor Stocker was the first to be sworn in. His appointment was finalized with the signing of the “Bestallungsurkunde” (appointment decree) and the “Angelobungsurkunde” (oath of office) by Van der Bellen and Stocker. The same process was carried out for the other government members. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) was the only one to add the phrase “so help me God” to her oath.
For President Van der Bellen, it was a routine act. Since taking office, Van der Bellen has sworn in 155 ministers and 21 secretaries of state.
Upcoming Oaths for New Roles
This number will soon increase. Following an upcoming amendment to the Federal Ministries Act, government members whose responsibilities change will need to be sworn in for their new roles.
Currently, they are only assuming the responsibilities of their predecessors. Since ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS have reassigned various tasks to different ministries, a corresponding legislative decision will be required. For example, the responsibilities related to labor will be removed from the Ministry of Economy and assigned to the Ministry of Social Affairs. Future Women’s Minister Eva Maria Holzleitner (SPÖ) and the Chancellor’s Office Minister Plakolm, responsible for families, were sworn in as ministers without portfolios on Monday.
