Austrian Liberals Hold Party Vote Crucial to Future Coalition Government
Beate Meinl-Reisinger, leader of Austria's small, liberal Neos party, called on party members to make history on Sunday and support what she sees as a move supporting liberal democracy as they voted on whether to join a proposed coalition government. Three centrist parties announced coalition deal last week; Neos members must approve the deal to join next government if they do not, two-party coalition has one-seat majority. Government to be sworn in on Monday after historic wait.
- The historic nature of this vote underscores the importance of centrism in maintaining a balanced government, where no single party holds absolute power.
- As Austria's future government takes shape, how will its policies impact the country's relations with neighboring countries and the European Union?