Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer Resigns After Coalition Talks Collapse
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced his resignation on Saturday after coalition talks to form a new government failed. The conservative People’s Party (ÖVP), led by Nehammer, had been in discussions with the Social Democrats (SPÖ) and the liberal Neos party. However, the negotiations fell apart over key disagreements on fundamental reforms.
The talks began after the right-wing Freedom Party (FPÖ) emerged as the winner in national elections last September with 29.2% of the vote. Despite their victory, other parties refused to form a coalition with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl. This forced the ÖVP and SPÖ to seek support from Neos to secure a parliamentary majority.
On Friday, Neos leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger announced her party’s withdrawal from the talks, stating that an agreement on critical reforms was not possible. Nehammer echoed this sentiment on Saturday, saying, “We have tried everything up to this point. An agreement on key points is not possible, so it makes no sense for a positive future for Austria.”
With no coalition agreement in place, Austria now faces the prospect of fresh elections. The FPÖ welcomed this outcome, as recent opinion polls indicate their support has risen to 35% since the election. Political analysts believe the FPÖ could strengthen their position further in the upcoming vote.
Nehammer’s resignation marks the end of his tenure during a politically turbulent time for Austria. As the country heads toward another election, uncertainty looms over the future government and Austria’s political direction.
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