Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen's Sunday announcement of a meeting with far-right politician Herbert Kickl has fueled speculation about the Freedom Party leader's potential role in forming a new government. This follows Chancellor Karl Nehammer's resignation announcement after budget talks between his conservative Austrian People's Party and the center-left Social Democrats collapsed.

While Nehammer has ruled out collaborating with Kickl, other members of his party seem more open to the possibility. Following discussions with key officials, President Van der Bellen noted a shift within the People's Party, suggesting that opposition to working with Kickl has diminished. This perceived change prompted the invitation to Kickl for a Monday meeting, potentially opening up new avenues for government formation.

Although Kickl's Freedom Party secured the largest vote share (29.2%) in the recent national elections, Van der Bellen initially tasked Nehammer with forming a government due to other parties' reluctance to work with Kickl. This decision sparked criticism from the Freedom Party, with Kickl asserting the party's stability amidst the political uncertainty.

The Austrian People's Party appointed Christian Stocker as interim leader, a move welcomed by Stocker himself. He expressed hope that Kickl, as leader of the election's winning party, would be given the mandate to form a government. Stocker affirmed the party's willingness to participate in government formation negotiations if invited, despite past criticisms of Kickl as a security risk.

The Freedom Party's platform, "Fortress Austria," advocates for stricter border controls, limitations on asylum rights, and a more homogenous nation. They also oppose sanctions against Russia, criticize Western aid to Ukraine, and seek to withdraw from the European Sky Shield Initiative. Furthermore, they advocate for repatriating some powers from the European Union back to Austria.

Austria's political landscape was further destabilized by the liberal Neos party's withdrawal from coalition talks. Subsequent attempts by the People's Party and Social Democrats to form a government also failed due to disagreements over addressing the budget deficit.