Austria’s centrist political parties reached an agreement to form a new coalition government, according to Euractiv.
The coalition will consist of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), and the NEOS. The deal marks a significant shift in Austrian politics, as it will keep the Freedom Party (FPÖ) in opposition despite its strong performance in recent elections.
The leadership of the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS announced that they will present their coalition agreement, though the deal is not yet finalised. It must still be approved by the internal structures of each party.
Committees for the ÖVP and SPÖ are set to meet on Thursday, while NEOS members will vote on the agreement on Sunday.
The agreement comes after earlier attempts to form a centrist coalition failed in January, and subsequent efforts by the FPÖ to lead a national-oriented coalition collapsed earlier this month.
The new coalition government aims to provide stability and address key issues facing Austria, including economic challenges, immigration, and climate change. By uniting the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, the coalition represents a broad spectrum of centrist policies, balancing conservative, social democratic, and liberal perspectives.
The exclusion of the FPÖ from the government is a significant development, reflecting the reluctance of centrist parties to collaborate with the national-oriented forces. The decision ensures that the FPÖ will remain in opposition, limiting its influence on national policy.
