Austrian Coalition Government Collapses as Budget Dispute Leaves Path Open for Herbert Kickl
The so-called ‘Candy Coalition’ in Austria has failed to form a government after the liberal Neos withdrew from negotiations due to disagreements over the state budget. Leader Andreas Babler of the Social Democratic Party, known for his leftist stance, was at the center of these conflicts. With a thin parliamentary majority held by the ÖVP and SPÖ, experts suggest a likely transition to either an expert government or early elections. The far-right Freedom Party, led by Herbert Kickl, is posited to benefit from this political turmoil.