VIENNA — Austria’s conservatives, led by Sebastian Kurz, are expected to hold final discussions today with the Greens before announcing a deal to form a coalition government.
It will mark the first time the Green party has been in power, after Kurz’s alliance with the far-right collapsed in a corruption scandal and triggered elections in September.
Sebastian Kurz (C-R), leader of Austria’s People’s party (OeVP), at an election rally in Vienna, Austria on September 27, 2019. (Joe Klamar/AFP)
Kurz’s People’s Party (OeVP) and the Greens made gains in election, bringing them together in unlikely negotiations given Kurz’s carefully groomed image as a hardliner on immigration.
An accord is widely expected to be announced after a last round of talks, which starts at 5 p.m. local time.
Despite progress, observers say a new government will face challenges after Kurz’s previous rule with the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) saw a raft of anti-immigration measures passed, sharply dividing Austrians.
— AFP
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