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Austria Today

Austrian news in English

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Austria's Coalition Puzzle: What's Next?

Published: 2024-09-30

Following Austria's recent elections, the focus has shifted to forming a new government.

The Austrian National Council requires at least 92 seats for a simple majority, but many legislative matters need a two-thirds majority, or 122 seats.

Six coalition possibilities are being considered, each with its own challenges and advantages.

The FPÖ-ÖVP coalition, with 108 seats, shares common ground on economic and migration issues but faces disagreements on EU policies.

Meanwhile, a potential ÖVP-SPÖ coalition, with 92 seats, could be simpler to negotiate but is hindered by personal and policy differences between party leaders.

The ÖVP-SPÖ-Neos coalition, with 110 seats, is seen as the most stable option, though finding common ground remains a challenge.

Historically, forming a government in Austria takes time, averaging 68 days since 1945. The political landscape is tense as parties navigate these complex negotiations.