Austrian Coalition Conundrum: President Urges Party Talks

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has called on the leaders of the three highest-voting parties in the recent parliamentary election to engage in discussions about forming possible governing coalitions. Despite the far-right Freedom Party's leading position, they face opposition from others to form a government.

In an effort to break the current political deadlock, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has urged leaders of the country's three main parties to engage in coalition talks. The call comes following last week's parliamentary elections.

Typically, the party with the most votes is tasked with forming a government. However, the leader of the pack, the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), is struggling to find coalition partners willing to govern alongside it under the current circumstances.

A coalition is deemed unworkable unless at least two of the three major parties collaborate, highlighting the urgency for dialogue and compromise.

(With inputs from agencies.)