
The People’s Party (ÖVP), Social Democrats (SPÖ) and NEOS have confirmed they have entered formal coalition talks to form Austria’s next government.
The announcement was made on Monday by Austrian Chancellor and ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer during a press conference in Vienna, following weeks of exploratory discussions.
The ÖVP came second in Austria’s parliamentary elections on 29 September, with the SPÖ finishing third and NEOS placing fifth. The far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) secured a historic first-place victory, but Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen declined to grant FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl the mandate to form a government, citing the refusal of other parties to work with him.
Describing the potential coalition as a “partnership of reason and political moderation,” Nehammer said the outcome of the “intensive negotiations” remained uncertain.
If successful, it would mark the first time since 1945 that a three-party coalition is formed to govern Austria.
The three parties have set out their key priorities for the negotiations. NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger highlighted education, integration and economic recovery, while SPÖ leader Andreas Babler stressed the need to tackle rising costs, improve healthcare, and address the high budget deficit.
Nehammer, meanwhile, called for renewal, change and optimism, emphasising the importance of fair rewards for hard work and a migration policy that doesn’t overwhelm communities.
These issues will now be tackled in subgroups. “Hundreds of people are involved in the process,” Nehammer said.