Negotiations aimed at forming a coalition between the conservative Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ), and the NEOS party have collapsed. NEOS announced their withdrawal from discussions on January 3, 2025, citing a lack of ambition from the other negotiating partners.
NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger expressed disappointment over the failure to reach a breakthrough after weeks of intensive consultations. The decision has been communicated to President Alexander Van der Bellen, Chancellor Karl Nehammer of the ÖVP, and SPÖ leader Andreas Babler.
The National Council elections, held on September 29, 2024, resulted in a victory for the right-wing populist Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), which secured 28.85% of the votes. The ruling ÖVP followed closely with 26.3%, while the SPÖ received 21.1%, and NEOS garnered just over 9%.
FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl expressed reluctance to form a coalition with the SPÖ, prompting the conservatives, social democrats, and liberals to begin negotiations in November. The discussions were marked by tension, particularly surrounding economic and tax policies. Chancellor Nehammer even threatened to withdraw the ÖVP from negotiations with the SPÖ.