Mon Mar 03 12:58:36 UTC 2025: ## Austria Forms New Coalition Government, Shutting Out Far-Right
**Vienna, Austria** – Austria has finally formed a new government after a five-month deadlock following September’s elections. Conservative Christian Stocker has been sworn in as chancellor, leading a coalition of three parties: the Austrian People’s Party (OVP), the Social Democrats (SPÖ), and the liberal Neos. This coalition excludes the Freedom Party (FPÖ), which won the most votes in the election but failed to secure a governing partnership.
The new government, described as a “common programme” by its leaders, faces significant challenges including rising unemployment, a looming recession, and budgetary constraints. The coalition agreement includes plans for stricter asylum rules.
President Alexander Van der Bellen acknowledged the unprecedented length of the government formation process, calling it the longest since World War II. He expressed hope for the new administration’s success.
Stocker, previously a deputy mayor, assumes the chancellorship despite not having run for the position in the election. Andreas Babler of the SPÖ is the vice chancellor, and Beate Meinl-Reisinger of Neos becomes foreign minister. Several key ministers from the previous administration retained their posts. However, the Ministry of Finance has shifted to the Social Democrats.
The formation of this coalition marks a significant political shift, keeping the far-right FPÖ out of power despite their electoral victory. The new government’s ability to address Austria’s economic and social challenges will be a key test of its legitimacy and effectiveness.
First Piper 