New Austrian centrist government takes power after far right fails to form coalition

Alexander Van der Bellenpresident Alexander Van der

Good things come to those who wait,

Van der Bellen said at the beginning of his speech, as he thanked the parties for “stepping out of their comfort zones for the good of the whole country” to form the coalition

Alexander Van der Bellenpresident Alexander Van der

Probably it would have been more tempting to remain stubborn but stubborn does not a government make,

said Van der Bellen, a nod to the collapse of the three parties’ first round of talks

Van Alexanderpresident

All’s well that ends well”.

Five months and two failed coalition attempts after Austria’s federal election in September, president Alexander Van der Bellen swore in a new centrist government on Monday with an amused note of warning

Thank you! Work begins tomorrow

she told members after the vote, referring to the swearing-in of the new coalition, which can now take place on Monday

I have asked myself what democracies are worth if no-one can reach out their hand anymore,

Neos leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger said, referring to the months of negotiations and compromises made in different coalition talks

We have a responsibility, each of us, (to build) a liberal democracy, ... Let's make history today."

she said, ending her speech to the party meeting in Vienna with the call