Austrian centrist parties reach deal to form government without far right
GuardianFEB 26
Austria Forms Coalition Without Right-Wing Election-Winner
Above: The Chairman of the conservative Austrian People's Party (OeVP), Christian Stocker (C), gives a press conference with other members of the party leadership in Vienna, Austria, on Feb. 28, 2025. Image copyright: Helmut Fohringer/Contributor/APA/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Austria's moderate right-wing and liberal parties have boldly united in a historic coalition to block a common far-right enemy. Amid global instability and economic challenges, this alliance reflects a commitment to cooperation — rejecting the FPO's extreme isolationist agenda. Not only does it champion a united Europe, but it also adheres to worries over immigration, passing sensible measures to secure Austria without alienating diverse populations.
Right narrative
This coalition is a slap in the face to the Austrian people, who voted for real change but received a reconfiguration of the status quo. The pseudo-conservative OVP and its liberal allies aren't even hiding their authoritarian tendencies, as shown by their policy pledges before a government has been formed to debate them. The FPO will only grow more popular and, hopefully, lead the country in the near future.