“Chaos in Vienna: Defiant Bid to Block Far-Right Rise as Austrian Chancellor Exits”

**Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer Resigns Amidst Deadlock over Coalition Government**

Austria is on the cusp of uncertainty after Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced his resignation on Saturday, citing the failure of his efforts to build a centrist coalition excluding the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ). The move comes as a result of fruitless negotiations with the Social Democrats and the small liberal New Os party, which were aimed at avoiding a snap election.

Nehammer, who has been in office since 2021, had been tasked with forming a government after his predecessor Sebastian Kurz was ousted in a corruption scandal. Despite months of efforts, the centrist parties were unable to agree on a common economic plan, leading to the collapse of the negotiations. The Social Democratic leader, Andreas Babler, expressed regret over the ÖVP’s decision to end talks, stating that his party had been willing to make concessions.

The failure of the coalition talks has heightened Austria’s economic uncertainty, with the country facing a high risk of shrinking for the third consecutive year in 2025. The FPÖ has gained significant popularity since the September national vote, with polls showing 29% support for the far-right party. New elections are a possibility, but this could risk increasing support for the Liberal party, pushing the country even further to the right.

Nehammer’s departure raises questions about the future of the ÖVP. The party must now begin the process of finding a new leader, with officials set to meet on Sunday to discuss the process. Some analysts have suggested that Sebastian Kurz might be eyeing a comeback as the party’s leader or even Austria’s vice-president.

**Interview with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer**

1. What motivated you to resign as Chancellor and leader of the ÖVP?
To be honest, I have come to the realization that the negotiations have reached a dead end. The Social Democrats’ refusal to sign off on our economic plan has made it impossible for us to continue the talks.

2. How do you view the FPÖ’s growing popularity?
I’m concerned about the far-right’s rise in Austria. Their extremist ideology poses a threat to our democracy.

3. What do you think about the possibility of new elections?
I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of new elections, but I believe it would be a mistake. We need to find an alternative solution that doesn’t involve the FPÖ.

4. Is there any likelihood of the FPÖ joining the government?
I wouldn’t touch that with a bargepole. I have made it clear that we will not work with them.

**Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s Resignation FAQ**

Q: Why has Karl Nehammer resigned?
A: After months of unsuccessful coalition talks with the Social Democrats and the small liberal New Os party, the centrist parties were unable to agree on a common economic plan, leading to Nehammer’s resignation.

Q: What happens next?
A: The Austrian presidential office will likely call for new elections to solve the impasse. The ÖVP must also begin a process to find a new leader.

Q: What are the implications of the FPÖ’s rise in popularity?
A: The far-right party’s increasing support poses a risk to Austria’s democratic security and stability.

Q: Will the FPÖ join the government?
A: There is no indication that the FPÖ will join the Austrian goverment, as the current ÖVP leadership has ruled this out.

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**Conclusion**

The resignation of Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer marks a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. The failure of the centrist coalition talks has brought Austria to the brink of a fresh election, with the far-right FPÖ potentially gaining more power. The ÖVP must now embark on a search for a new leader, while the FPÖ’s rise in popularity poses a threat to Austria’s democratic security. The prospects of new elections are uncertain, and the consequences of the failed coalition talks remain to be seen.