Coalition stability is under threat in Austria

Abstract

Significance Corruption scandals have undermined support for Nehammer’s centre-right People’s Party (OeVP) and damaged relations with its coalition partner, the Green Party. Nehammer faces a difficult task in both reversing polling trends and strengthening relations between the coalition parties. Impacts If corruption investigations do not lead to charges against Kurz, he may return to politics at some stage. Austria will only enforce its mandatory vaccine law should the epidemiology of COVID-19 deteriorate significantly. The prospect of more immigration flows as travel restrictions ease would deepen divisions within the government.