Austria is facing a deepening political crisis after negotiations between the People’s Party and the Social Democrats to form a government collapsed, leading Chancellor Karl Nehammer to announce his resignation. The far-right Freedom Party appears to gain advantage as attention turns to Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, who may announce a new exploratory mandate or call for fresh elections. Polls show the Freedom Party maintaining a lead, amid criticisms against Nehammer for proposed pension and salary cuts for public employees.