Askin Kiyagan
12 February 2025•Update: 12 February 2025
VIENNA
Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) and center-right People's Party (OVP) agreed Wednesday to introduce a headscarf ban for girls under the age of 14 in schools as part of coalition negotiations, according to a leaked government program draft.
Austria has yet to form a new government despite having general elections on Sept. 29.
Talks between FPO and OVP, ongoing for more than a month, have stalled on key issues, but agreements have emerged on controversial policies related to migration and integration.
A leaked 233-page document, described in Austrian media as a "confidential protocol," outlines a consensus on banning headscarves in schools and increasing state control on Islamic religious education.
The document also refers to the headscarf as a "tool of coercion" and suggests extending the ban to public institutions.
The draft proposes stricter immigration policies, cuts to social benefits and an end to Türkiye’s EU accession process.
It urges shutting down political movements considered "dangerous," including Liste Gaza, or the Gaza List -- a group formed to highlight what it described as genocide in Gaza.
Major disagreements remain on foreign policy and ministerial appointments.
The FPO, known for its pro-Russian stance, has clashed with OVP on Austria’s relations with the EU.
The far-right party is also demanding control of the interior and finance ministries, a point of contention in talks.
FPO and OVP leaders are set to meet again before consulting President Alexander Van der Bellen.
The outcome will determine if coalition negotiations will continue or collapse, extending Austria’s political uncertainty.
