In Austria, they began to form a coalition without pro-Russian far-right groups

The conservative Austrian People’s Party, the Social Democratic Party of Austria and the liberal NEOS have officially announced the start of negotiations to create a coalition in parliament and form a government. Reuters reported this on Monday, November 18.

It is noted that the transition from the “probing phase” to a full process of coordinating positions was announced by the Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who represents the “populist” conservative.

Meanwhile, the far-right Freedom Party, which won first place with 29 percent of the vote in September’s elections, has not found a coalition partner and will not participate in the distribution of ministerial portfolios. This political force is known for its pro-Russian position and is opposed to providing any aid to Ukraine.

According to Nehammer, negotiations will continue “as soon as possible and as long as necessary.” If successful, it would be the first “triple” coalition in the Austrian parliament since the country regained independence in 1955.

We remind you that voting in the parliamentary elections ended in Austria on September 29. The victory was won by the right-wing populist Freedom Party of Austria, led by Herbert Kickl.

And in October, President Alexander van der Bellen ordered the head of the Austrian People’s Party, Nehammer, to form a government, despite the Freedom Party’s electoral victory.