Start of the new cabinet: Austria: New three-party government in office

The new three-party government is in office in Austria. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen sworn in the members of the cabinet. In doing so, he warned the government partners to always put the state of the state over the party interests. In view of the highly uncertain situation in terms of global policy, he called for an active participation in Austria to strengthen the EU. “We have to strategically secure peace in Austria and Europe.”

At the head of the government, the 64-year-old ÖVP boss Christian Stocker is the chancellor. Vice Chancellor is the SPÖ chairman Andreas Babler. In addition to conservative ÖVP and social democratic SPÖ, the liberal neos are in the alliance. ÖVP and SPÖ each provide six cabinet members, the NEOS have two ministerial posts.

Coalition starts in an economically difficult situation

The coalition starts in economically difficult times five months after the parliamentary election. Unemployment has increased again in February. In addition, the large budget hole must be significantly reduced. For 2025 and 2026, the coalitioners had already agreed on significant savings in the budget.

In this context, the head of state called for economic stability and social security. In migration, it was important to grant the protection that needed him and “take consistent measures against irregular migration.”

Van der Bellen is very familiar with sworn. In his eight -year term, several governments changed. In total, the 81-year-old has now sworn in around 200 government members.