An effort by the head of Austria’s Freedom Party to form a coalition government collapsed on Wednesday, ending, for now, his chances of leading the country’s first far-right national government since World War II.
The Freedom Party’s leader, Herbert Kickl, and the conservative Austrian People’s Party failed to reach an agreement on forming a coalition, leaving the country without a government or a clear answer about what happens next.
Mr. Kickl’s party won 29 percent of the vote when Austrians went to the polls in September. However, four months after that vote and numerous rounds of negotiations, Austrian politicians have been unable to form a government.
Initially, three centrist parties attempted to form a coalition that would have kept the far-right Freedom Party out of government. That effort failed earlier this year, when liberal and conservative parties, including the People’s Party, could not make a deal.
The most recent talks between the People’s Party and the Freedom Party collapsed on Wednesday over policy disagreements regarding migration and national security. Mr. Kickl’s party sought to control the Interior Ministry to advance its anti-immigrant agenda. However, the People’s Party expressed concerns that foreign intelligence agencies would cease cooperation with the ministry, which also oversees Austria’s intelligence agency, if it was perceived as too far-right.
“Herbert Kickl got the most votes, but that doesn’t justify his taking all the power,” said Christian Stocker, the chair of the People’s Party, following the collapse of the talks.
The next steps remain uncertain. Austria’s president, Alexander Van der Bellen, indicated on Wednesday that he would speak with political leaders to explore a way forward.
“Liberal democracy thrives on compromise, on balancing different interests,” Mr. Van der Bellen stated. “This is the only way a society can remain stable and be successful in the long term.”
Two smaller parties — the liberal NEOS and SPÖ, a social democrat party — which were part of earlier talks, have expressed their willingness to attempt to form a government with the conservatives. However, Mr. Van der Bellen could also choose to create a caretaker government to lead the country until early elections are conducted.
This option could benefit Mr. Kickl and the Freedom Party, whose popularity has reportedly increased since last year’s election, according to polls.