In Austria, conservative People's Party (ÖVP) and RechtspopulistischeFreiheitliche Party (FPOE) have agreed on a government alliance. This was shared by two parties following conclusion of seven-week coalition negotiations in Vienna. The new cabinet is to be sworn in at beginning of week, subject to approval of party bodies. The 31-year-old ÖVP boss Sebastian Kurz would be most recent head of government in Europe. With FPOe, anor right-wing populist party in Europe is moving into a cabinet.

In coalition talks, short and FPOe chief Heinz-Christian Strache wanted to implement a tax reform, which would strengn direct democracy and step up fight against migration. In field of education, parties agreed on re-introduction of school grades in primary school and on special classes for children with a lack of German skills. Despite criticism from medical practitioners, FPOe reached ban on smoking in restaurants, which was decided by SPÖ and ÖVP.

In election campaign, it was promised that Austria would continue to maintain a proeuropean course. The 52-year-old Middle East expert Karin Kneissl is a favorite for occupation of Foreign Ministry. Kneissl is considered to be a fpoe-close, but is not a party member.  Responsibility for EU issues is to be shifted from Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Chancellery.

Federal President Alexander van der Barken must bless new government. He would have opportunity to reject individual ministers; This is not expected. The coalition negotiations ran in close contact with president. Shortly and Strache were several times at Van der Barken to report on contents and personalities.

The ÖVP had become strongest force in election on 15 October. The Social Democrats under Chancellor Christian Kern, who had hirto been governed by a coalition with ÖVP, ruled out furr cooperation with Conservatives in early days. The FPOe is represented in a government for third time in Austrian postwar history.

Date Of Update: 16 December 2017, 12:02