For the first time since 2009, the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) and the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) will form a joint coalition government in Vorarlberg. On Monday evening, the party boards of both the Vorarlberg ÖVP and FPÖ unanimously approved the coalition agreement finalized on October 21. The new government, consisting of five ÖVP and two FPÖ members, is set to be sworn in on Wednesday, marking the end of a decade-long partnership between the ÖVP and the Greens in the regional government.

The coalition’s policy program and division of ministerial responsibilities, which will guide their work until 2029, are expected to be announced in a public presentation on Tuesday. The ÖVP’s government lineup will remain unchanged, with party leader Markus Wallner continuing his role as governor. Also retaining their positions are Barbara Schöbi-Fink and Christian Gantner (in office since 2018), along with Marco Tittler and Martina Rüscher, who joined the government in 2019. The FPÖ will be represented by regional chairman Christof Bitschi, who will take on the role of Deputy Governor, a position previously held by Schöbi-Fink, and Daniel Allgäuer.

Following their respective board meetings, Wallner and Bitschi withheld specific details, pointing to Tuesday’s press conference. However, leaked information suggests Wallner will maintain his role overseeing finances, while Bitschi will take charge of family affairs, previously managed by Wallner. Bitschi will also inherit social welfare responsibilities from the Greens’ Katharina Wiesflecker. Allgäuer is expected to oversee security and integration, previously handled by Gantner, who will continue to manage tourism, agriculture, and climate protection.

In addition to the new government, key legislative positions were confirmed. ÖVP members Harald Sonderegger and Monika Vonier will continue as President and Vice President of the state parliament, with Hubert Kinz of the FPÖ completing the parliamentary presidium. Kinz, who has served in the state parliament since 2009, is the longest-serving member.

In the federal arena, the ÖVP reappointed Christine Schwarz-Fuchs as a Bundesrat and named Christoph Thoma as a new representative, replacing Heike Eder, now a member of the National Council. The FPÖ has yet to announce its Bundesrat candidate.

Wallner described the coalition talks as “intense discussions,” noting the government seats were divided fairly with a 5:2 split between the parties. Bitschi expressed satisfaction with the ministerial responsibilities allocated to the FPÖ, emphasizing the party’s focus on key issues.

Reflecting on the coalition formation, Wallner said, “Both personnel and the program must be in harmony, and we’ve succeeded in achieving that.” Bitschi added that he is optimistic about the coalition’s impact, stating, “We have crafted a package that will put Vorarlberg back on course.”