Inside Austria is our weekly look at some of the news, talking points, and gossip in Austria that you might not have heard about. It’s published each Saturday, and members can receive it directly in their inbox by going to their newsletter preferences or adding their email to the sign-up box in this article.

Austria finally has a government. After weeks of uncertainty, the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS have struck a deal, bringing a three-party coalition to power. The arrangement should, in theory, offer more stability than the short-lived FPÖ-ÖVP negotiations. But if Germany’s experience with a three-party government is anything to go by, this won’t be easy.

The key difference? Unlike Germany’s ill-fated Ampelkoalition, where the liberal FDP had the power to collapse the government entirely, Austria’s setup is different. The ÖVP and SPÖ together hold a slim majority, making NEOS the junior partner with little leverage to force early elections. If NEOS gets frustrated with compromises, they can leave, but that wouldn’t necessarily bring the coalition down—it would just send them back to the opposition with nothing to show for it.

Still, this government will be a constant negotiation. No party will be able to push its agenda too hard, meaning compromise will be the norm. However, some reforms are expected. Housing and pension changes and a stricter asylum policy are coming—an area where compromises are politically easier.

With Christian Stocker as chancellor, Andreas Babler as vice chancellor, and Beate Meinl-Reisinger taking on foreign affairs, Austria is entering a new political era. The big question now is: can this government actually function, or are we just postponing another crisis?

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The FPÖ shields a man with alleged neo-Nazi ties—again

A parliamentary inquiry just exposed that René Schimanek, former chief of staff to National Council President Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ), had been in contact with right-wing extremists, allegedly complaining about a “historical lie” about Hitler and exchanging emails with far-right figures. His name has also surfaced in German investigations into the extremist “Saxon Separatists,” and he’s under investigation in Austria for possible violations of the Prohibition Act and Weapons Act. Schimanek denies all allegations, and the presumption of innocence applies.

So, how did the FPÖ react? By defending him, of course. Rosenkranz called him an “honest person” and dismissed the scandal as “political small change.. ” Instead of addressing the issue, the FPÖ tried to bury it, flooding Parliament with 21 pages of unrelated inquiries to push the revelations out of sight.

Meanwhile, the Greens and SPÖ are demanding action, calling for Schimanek’s removal and Rosenkranz’s resignation from overseeing the National Fund for Victims of National Socialism—a controversy that many find affronting. But will anything happen? Or will the FPÖ just wait for the outrage to pass, as they always do?

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What else?

March is bringing political shifts, policy changes, and some updates that could make life in Austria easier—or more frustrating—depending on your situation. Here are some of the key stories to catch up on:


Everything that changes in Austria in March 2025

From the formation of a new government to travel updates and salary increases, March is shaping up to be a busy month. Here’s a roundup of the key changes that could affect you.
What changes people in Austria can expect under the new government

With the ÖVP-SPÖ-NEOS coalition now in place, their government programme includes reforms in housing, pensions, and immigration. Some compromises had to be made, but certain policies—like stricter asylum regulations—were easier for them to agree on.
No relief for homebuyers in Austria as banks continue with strict lending rules

If you were hoping for an easier path to buying a home, think again. Despite hopes that mortgage rules would ease in mid-2025, Austria’s strict lending restrictions will remain in place.
What does Lower Austria plan to do against foreigners ‘unwilling to integrate’?

Lower Austria is rolling out new measures targeting “foreigners unwilling to integrate,” including fines, cultural requirements in kindergartens, and a burqa ban. Unsurprisingly, the opposition isn’t happy.
Austria’s ÖBB introduces ‘miles’ system for train travel—here’s how it works

Finally, some good news for frequent train travellers! ÖBB’s new loyalty program lets passengers earn points on every trip, with perks like free seat reservations and first-class upgrades.
What to know about ending a rental contract early in Austria

This story came straight from a reader’s question—yes, we really do read the comments! If you’re stuck in a rental contract but need to leave early, this explains your rights and options.