Austria Names Interim Chancellor Amid Coalition Talks

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Above: Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and US Sec. of State Antony Blinken hold a joint press conference in Vienna, Austria, on March 15, 2024 Image copyright: Askin Kiyagan/Anadolu/Contributor via Getty Images

The Facts

  • Alexander Schallenberg, Austria's Foreign Minister, will assume the role of caretaker chancellor on Friday following Karl Nehammer's resignation after failed coalition talks.

  • Schallenberg, who previously served as chancellor for two months in 2021, will maintain his position as foreign minister while serving as interim chancellor.

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The Spin

Left narrative

The opportunity for the far-right FPÖ to take part in a coalition government marks a dangerous shift, legitimizing extremism and threatening democratic norms. The failure of mainstream parties to unite has allowed the FPÖ and Kickl to exploit economic grievances and societal divides. Their rise risks aligning Austria with illiberal regimes like Hungary, undermining the EU. An FPÖ-ÖVP partnership would not only normalize xenophobia but also weaken Austria’s commitment to inclusivity and democratic values.

Right narrative

A potential FPÖ-ÖVP coalition signals a transformative shift in Austrian politics. Under Herbert Kickl’s leadership, the FPÖ champions sovereignty, secure borders, and economic realism, reflecting a broader European trend of nation-first governance. Critics decry this as extremist, but Austrians have clearly chosen change. This coalition challenges Brussels’ overreach and reasserts Austria’s right to prioritize its national interests and values.

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