In a significant political turnaround, Austria’s conservative party, the People’s Party (OVP), is open to entering coalition talks with the far-right Freedom Party (FPO). This decision follows the abrupt resignation of Chancellor Karl Nehammer, as coalition discussions with centrist parties broke down. During a crisis meeting, the leadership of the OVP selected Christian Stocker as the interim party leader, who expressed readiness to negotiate with the FPO if invited.

Nehammer announced his resignation on January 5, 2025, after talks aimed at forming a government without the FPO collapsed. This crisis has thrust Austria into a state of political instability, particularly following the FPO's electoral success in September, where they secured approximately 30 percent of the vote (source: Al Jazeera). Clear divisions within the political landscape led to the resignation, with Nehammer emphasizing that he could not partner with FPO leader Herbert Kickl due to concerns over extremism.

Following Nehammer's exit, Stocker stated, “This country needs a stable government right now, and we can’t keep losing time to election campaigns or elections that we don’t have,” emphasizing the need for swift governmental stability now that coalition talks with other parties were rendered futile. Stocker’s shift from previously ruling out negotiations with the far-right reflects the changing political dynamics in Austria (source: Reuters).

The Catholic conservative party had long resisted engaging the FPO, citing security risks as a primary concern. However, as noted by Markus Wallner, governor of Vorarlberg, "It is not an easy situation," highlighting the OVP’s dilemma between a snap election and potentially conceding to the FPO (source: SCMP).

With increased support for the FPO, which has gained significant traction on issues like immigration and anti-EU sentiment, President Alexander Van der Bellen is faced with challenging decisions. He indicated he would meet with Kickl to deliberate potential government formation, amid calls for a stable coalition that might include the FPO (source: Reuters).

As the OVP contemplates its political future, the possibility of a coalition with the FPO indicates a broader trend of far-right parties gaining influence across Europe, raising concerns about potential shifts in policy regarding immigration, EU relations, and national security.