VIENNA, (TDI): Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has given Herbert Kickl, the leader of the far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPO), a mandate to form a new government in coalition with the Austrian People’s Party (OVP) following talks on Monday.
At a press conference in Vienna, Van der Bellen remarked, “I did not take this step lightly,” emphasizing the importance of his role in ensuring the country has a functioning federal government.
The move comes after coalition talks between OVP, led by outgoing Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer, and the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPO) as well as the Liberal Party (NEOS) collapsed last week.
Nehammer subsequently announced his resignation on Saturday, stating that despite extensive efforts, no agreement could be reached on key issues, leaving no possibility for a positive future for Austria.
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In the September 29 parliamentary elections, the FPO secured the highest vote share with 28.85%. Despite this, Van der Bellen initially tasked Nehammer, not Kickl, with forming the government.
However, Van der Bellen explained on Monday that while he had “certain wishes,” he was bound by respect for the voters’ choice and must accept the parliamentary majority. “I will continue to ensure that the principles and rules of our constitution are correctly observed,” he added.
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This marks the first time since 1945 that an FPO representative has been given the mandate to form a government in Austria, a role historically reserved for representatives of the SPO or OVP.
