A new survey of public opinion reveals deep public dissatisfaction with Austria’s governing coalition, with more than half of respondents expressing disappointment in its performance.
According to the survey, 51% of Austrians are unhappy with the three-party government formed by the centre-right ÖVP, the centre-left SPÖ, and the liberal NEOS.
The coalition, in office since March, has struggled with a weak economy and the pressure of introducing a strict austerity package to address the country’s strained public finances.
The discontent is proving advantageous for the right-wing Freedom Party (FPÖ), led by Herbert Kickl. The FPÖ now has the support of 33% of the electorate—a significant increase compared with its 28.9% share in the 2024 election.
In contrast, the ÖVP has dropped to 22%, while the SPÖ has slid to 19%. Nearly a year after the FPÖ emerged as the strongest party in parliamentary elections, its attempt to form a government with the ÖVP collapsed during negotiations in February. Since then, frustration with the current coalition has grown: 26% of respondents say they would prefer an FPÖ–ÖVP government, while a quarter favour early elections.
