After the NEOS withdrew from coalition negotiations, the ÖVP (Austrian People’s Party) and SPÖ (Social Democratic Party of Austria) are now trying to proceed on their own. Negotiations between the two parties began at 1:00 PM at the Federal Chancellery, according to information received by APA on Saturday from the Social Democrats. However, a government coalition between the two parties would have a very slim majority, as they only hold one surplus mandate in the National Council following the election on September 29.

According to the SPÖ, a broader meeting was planned. In addition to party leader Andreas Babler, participants include Federal Secretary Sandra Breiteneder, trade unionist Josef Muchitsch, and parliamentary club chairman Philip Kucher. There was no response from the ÖVP at the time of reporting.

Surprise NEOS Withdrawal

The unexpected collapse of the intended three-party coalition due to the NEOS withdrawal on Friday surprised not only the two other parties but also Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. After prolonged hesitation, the People’s Party and Social Democrats announced their decision to continue negotiations regardless. Van der Bellen emphasized that ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer still has the mandate to form a government. He reportedly made it “very clear” to the two party leaders that the government formation must proceed “without delay.”

The FPÖ (Freedom Party of Austria), the clear winner of the September 29, 2024, election, demanded Nehammer’s immediate resignation on Friday. According to FPÖ General Secretary Michael Schnedlitz, only Herbert Kickl as Chancellor could “end this chaos.” Meanwhile, the Greens, another potential coalition partner for the ÖVP and SPÖ, stated through Health Minister Johannes Rauch that they would not be available as a “last resort” or “gap filler.”