Austria's Three-Party Government Takes Office, Shutting Out Far Right
Austria's first three-party government since the aftermath of World War Two took office on Monday, ending the country's longest-ever wait for a ruling coalition and keeping the Russia-friendly, far-right Freedom Party (FPO) out of power. The centrist alternative formed by the conservative People's Party (OVP), Social Democrats (SPO), and liberal Neos has overcome their earlier failure to do a deal, vowing to cooperate and get things done. Despite concerns about its fragility, the new government is focused on shrinking Austria's budget deficit and implementing stricter immigration rules.
- The formation of this three-party government marks a significant shift in Austrian politics, where the far right was previously seen as an outsider party, but now finds itself at the center of power.
- As the FPO's influence wanes, what implications will this have for Austria's relationships with neighboring countries and its stance on European integration?