Austria’s newly formed government, a coalition of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), and the liberal NEOS, has announced stricter asylum and immigration policies as part of its governing program presented in Vienna on Thursday.
The coalition agreement, already submitted to President Alexander Van der Bellen for review, introduces measures such as halting family reunification for those granted asylum and placing rejected asylum seekers in special centers until deportation. Additionally, the government plans to ban headscarves for girls under 14 as part of an effort to promote integration and prevent segregation.
Christian Stocker, leader of the ÖVP and Austria’s incoming chancellor, emphasized that the coalition’s success came from a typically Austrian approach: “Dialogue brings people together.” The coalition was formed after failed negotiations between the ÖVP and the far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ). The stricter immigration laws are seen as an attempt to neutralize FPÖ’s influence on one of its key policy areas.
Beyond immigration, the government has pledged to improve tenant protections and maintain solidarity within the European Union. Austria will continue its support for Ukraine, with plans to appoint a special coordinator for assistance.
The official swearing-in of the new government is set for Monday, 155 days after the September parliamentary elections—the longest transition period in Austria’s history.
