Description: Herbert Kickl leader of the far – right Freedom Party in Austria has stated that coalition talks with Austrian People’s Party failed as crucial compromises over ministerial seats and policy approach weren’t overcome. Kickl’s far – right party won the elections in Austria in Sep overcoming Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s People’s Party when initial approval was given to the People’s Party to form a government as the entire Austrian political echelon refused to cooperate with the Freedom Party. Negotiations collapsed even then, while now, Austria’s political and socio – economic state hangs in the balance without a newly appointed government.
Impact: Austria is one of the countries which heavily experienced the resurgence of the far – right populist political movement. With the coalition negotiations technically in the bin, Austria could face a short – term political crisis as many entities are refusing to cooperate with the Freedom Party’s far – right outlook on Austria’s future. Options are presently scarce since the Freedom Party lacks votes to solely establish governance while other parties in the political landscape are strenuously objecting towards a possible coalition. In the short to midterm, Austria could appoint a nonpartisan government led by representatives from various parties but could also plunge the country into protracted political crisis as negotiation concessions haven’t been remotely initiated.