Austria's Far-Right Freedom Party Faces Coalition Government Challenges

The far-right Freedom Party (FPO) won a historic victory in Austria's parliamentary election, but it now faces challenges in forming a coalition government. President Alexander Van der Bellen has reservations about the FPO, adding complexity to the coalition-building process. The FPO's stance on Russia and immigration are major sticking points.

The far-right Freedom Party's historic win in Austria's parliamentary election has left it isolated and subject to the scrutiny of a powerful critic: President Alexander Van der Bellen. Despite its victory, the FPO fell short of a parliamentary majority and needs a coalition partner to govern, a challenge given that other parties' leaders show no interest in collaboration.

President Van der Bellen, formerly of the left-wing Greens, has expressed concerns about the FPO due to its failure to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its opposition to sanctions against Moscow. Van der Bellen has hinted that he might not permit the FPO's leader, Herbert Kickl, to become chancellor, emphasizing that the pillars of liberal democracy should be respected.

Van der Bellen's remarks suggest that forming a coalition could take longer than usual. His central role in the process underscores the complexities ahead for the FPO, which despite its attempts to moderate its image, faces opposition for its stances on immigration and other issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)