Without a clear winner in the Austrian political drama, the fate of the country remains uncertain. After weeks of intense negotiations, the coalition talks between the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) and the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) have ultimately failed. Herbert Kickl, the FPÖ’s chairman, informed Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen of the breakdown of the talks and returned the assignment for government formation. The FPÖ expressed regret over the failure, despite making significant concessions in many areas.
The central theme that led to the collapse of the talks was the distribution of ministerial portfolios, particularly the Interior Ministry. The ÖVP proposed separating the topics of migration and asylum into a new, FPÖ-led ministry, which the FPÖ vehemently rejected. Kickl emphasized that the core competencies of his party in the areas of security and asylum are anchored in the Interior Ministry and that he therefore claims this post. Despite the extensive offers from the FPÖ, including the transfer of important portfolios such as foreign policy, economy and defense to the ÖVP, no agreement could be reached.
The failure of the talks now leaves several possible scenarios open, including early elections. A recent survey shows the FPÖ in the lead with 34 percent, while the ÖVP remains below the 20 percent mark with 19 percent. A potential FPÖ victory could further strengthen the party’s right-wing populist course, particularly in regards to its demand for an end to sanctions against Russia.
Moreover, the social democratic SPÖ, together with the liberal NEOS, had advocated for a new round of talks between the center parties in January, but after the breakdown of the talks between the FPÖ and ÖVP, it remains unclear how the political situation will unfold.
If no coalition can be formed, President Van der Bellen might establish an expert or transitional government. However, like in Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” the outcome remains open, with the possibility of the country being plunged into uncertainty by early elections. The Austrian political drama resembles a duel between Mozart and Salieri: a power struggle in which the shining hope, Kickl, embodies the brilliant but intrinsically torn Mozart, while the ÖVP plays the role of Salieri, envious and seeking its own dominance. The last word has not yet been spoken.