January 4, 2025Reuters
International political and media systems need checks and balances. Since its creation in 2003, the Christian Journal, a state-recognized press service, has been an important democratic force for all Christians, pastors and churches because it defends them and brings the truth to light. Read more.
VIENNA (Reuters) – Negotiations between Austria’s two largest centrist parties to form a coalition government without the far-right Freedom Party have failed, Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who will resign, said on Saturday .
This announcement came after a final round of negotiations between the People’s Party (conservative) and the social democrats of the SPO, the day after the decision of the small liberal party Neos to leave the talks.
“I will step down as chancellor and head of the People’s Party in the coming days and allow for an orderly transition,” Karl Nehammer said in a video published on the X network.
The FPÖ, a eurosceptic party close to Russia, won the last legislative elections in September with 29% of the vote.
With Karl Nehammer ruling out governing with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, no potential partner was immediately available.
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, former leader of the Greens, therefore tasked Karl Nehammer with forming a government.
With the latter retiring, two options present themselves: Herbert Kickl could be responsible for forming a government, unless early elections are organized.
The FPÖ has continued to gain ground since the last elections. According to polls, the party holds a lead of more than 10 points over the People’s Party (ÖVP) and the SPO.
The head of the SPO, Andreas Babler, confirmed to the press the failure of the negotiations.
“We know what is likely to happen now. An FPÖ-OVP government with a far-right chancellor who will endanger our democracy on many points,” he said.
(Reporting by François Murphy, French version Elizabeth Pineau)
Support the Christian Journal, a media that brings hope, is open and independent
Since 2003, the Christian Journal has embodied a demanding and independent Christian press, which allows people to be informed, debate, find meaning and hope.
Le Journal Chrétien was born with the idea that information must be independent and reliable, not biased by shareholder or advertising interests.
Your support is precious to enable us to continue to produce this quality Christian journalism, to carry out original investigations and unique reports, to inform you and nourish your thinking on the major issues of the moment.
Le Journal Chrétien, which allows any donor to benefit from a tax deduction of up to 66%.
NB: Le Journal Chrétien is a media recognized by the State, which allows any donor to benefit from a tax deduction of up to 66%.
