In a surprising change of stance, Christian Stocker has announced that he is open to participating in coalition talks with the far-right party if invited to do so.
Austria’s conservative party has shifted its position and is now willing to engage in discussions with the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) to establish a new government. This decision comes after coalition negotiations with the Social Democrats and liberals fell through.
The country faced political turmoil following the breakdown of talks to form a centrist government without including the far-right party that received the most votes in the recent national elections in September.
In response to the crisis, Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced his resignation as chancellor and party chairman of the People’s Party (OVP) to facilitate a smooth transition. Nehammer had held both positions since late 2021.
At a leadership meeting on Sunday, Christian Stocker was appointed as the interim party leader of the OVP, replacing Nehammer.
Stocker, who had previously echoed Nehammer’s stance against governing with the far right, stated that the party’s position had evolved and he had been given the mandate to engage in coalition talks with the FPO if invited.
Stocker emphasized the need for a stable government and expressed readiness to participate in coalition talks if invited, highlighting the importance of avoiding further delays.
President Alexander Van der Bellen announced a meeting with FPO leader Herbert Kickl to explore the possibility of him forming a government, despite his previous reservations about Kickl assuming the role of chancellor.
While the landscape has shifted, Van der Bellen refrained from confirming whether he would ask Kickl to lead coalition discussions. A new interim chancellor is expected to be appointed soon, with Nehammer remaining in office in the interim.
The rise of the FPO in Austria mirrors a global trend of far-right movements gaining momentum worldwide, advocating for conservative policies including tighter border controls and opposing certain international interventions.
Stocker, who had criticized Kickl in the past, is now part of a party where opposition to working with FPO under Kickl’s leadership has diminished, signaling a potential shift in alliance dynamics.
