Formal coalition talks between the Freedom Party (FPÖ) and the People’s Party (ÖVP) began on Friday, as FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl seeks to become Austria’s first far-right Chancellor since the Second World War.
The discussions are focusing on the country’s struggling budget, with expert groups expected to work throughout the weekend.
Kickl was tasked with forming a government earlier this week, following the collapse of ÖVP-led efforts to establish a centrist coalition with the Social Democrats (SPÖ) and NEOS.
The prospect of an FPÖ-led government – the first in modern Austrian history – has sparked significant public outcry, including a large protest in Vienna on Thursday evening.
While the talks were initially scheduled to take place in the parliament building, reports suggest they were moved to a secret location due to heightened media interest.
ÖVP’s Key Priorities
August Wöginger, the ÖVP’s parliamentary leader and a member of the budget negotiation team, highlighted the extensive preparatory work already completed. He also underscored several key ÖVP priorities, including safeguarding Austria’s sovereignty, particularly from foreign influence such as Russia, and maintaining the country’s constructive role within the European Union.
Other priorities include defending liberal democracy, upholding the rule of law and taking a firm stance against antisemitism and extremism. “If the FPÖ is prepared to join us, under these conditions, in taking responsibility for our country, then we can achieve a constructive negotiation outcome together,” Wöginger said.
FPÖ: ‘Concrete Results’
Manfred Haimbuchner, FPÖ leader in Upper Austria and Deputy Governor of the state, stressed the importance of resolving budget issues before moving on to other priorities. Speaking at a press conference in Linz, he said: “We need clarity on how to proceed with the finances. Only then will we have the room for necessary investments. Without money, there’s no music.”
Haimbuchner also downplayed FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl’s earlier remarks about the possibility of a snap election if talks break down. “No tactics, no empty rhetoric, no governing for its own sake,” he said. “The focus is on achieving concrete results. However, the Freedom Party will not govern at any cost.”
