Christian Stocker sworn in Austria’s Chancellor after a 5 month wait

Christian Stocker of the Austrian People’s Party (OVP) was sworn in as the Chancellor of Austria ,five months after the Parliamentary election in the country. 

The Parliamentary election held in the country in September 2024 failed to give a decisive mandate to a party or a coalition of parties. Since the second world war, it was the longest time taken in the formation of a government in the country after a general election.

Christian Stocker was sworn in as the Chancellor by the Austrian President Van der Bellen at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, capital of Austria.

Christian Stocker to head three party coalition government 

For the first time in the history of Austria a three party coalition government has been formed in the country. Christian Stocker heads a three party coalition of OVP, Social Democrats and Neos Party.

In the 2024 parliamentary election held on 29 September, the far right Freedom Party won 57 seats in the 183 member National Council. 

The OVP won 51 seats, Social Democrats 41 and Neos won 18 seats.

The Freedom Party is a far right party which wants to expel uninvited migrants to the country, and tightly control the immigration of foreigners.

The Party also wants an end to the sanction imposed by the European countries on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, and wants an end to the western military aid to Ukraine.

To keep the Freedom Party from coming to power the three parties agreed to form a coalition government under Chancellor Christian Stocker.

Parliament of Austria 

The Parliament of Austria known as the Federal Assembly is a bicameral body. 

The 60 member Federal Council is the upper house of the Parliament and represents the provinces of Austria.

The 183 member National Council is the lower house of the Austrian Parliament. They are directly elected by the people for a term of five years.

The Chancellor and his Cabinet is responsible to the  National Council.

About Austria 

Austria is a landlocked country in South central Europe.

Austria along with Switzerland are permanently neutral countries in Europe.

Austria is a developed country and a member of the European Union.

Capital: Vienna

Currency: Euro

Chancellor: Christian Stocker 

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