Website-based GMO survey findings indicate "Slightly favorable opinion towards government actions"
Austria's Three-Party Coalition: Three Months In, Dividing Opinions
After three months in office, Austria's unprecedented three-party coalition, comprising the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, has divided public opinion, according to the latest OGM poll results. The survey, conducted among 1,011 eligible voters, shows a 39% approval rating for the coalition, with a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.
While this rating is described as "modest" by pollster Wolfgang Bachmayer of OGM, considering the coalition preferences asked, a significant 31% of voters favor an ÖVP-FPÖ government, and 26% opt for a coalition of ÖVP, SPÖ, and Greens. These choices are mathematically plausible, based on the survey results.
The FPÖ continues to lead, with 32% support, followed by the ÖVP (22%), SPÖ (21%), and NEOS (12%). The Greens trail at 9%. In a direct question about potential chancellors, "Kickl can still gain despite the collapse of the coalition talks and reach 29% is remarkable," says Bachmayer. Christian Stocker and Beate Meinl-Reisinger each achieve the values of their parties, with no "chancellor bonus" for Stocker. However, SPÖ Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler and Green Party leader Werner Kogler underperform, with 15% and 7% support, respectively.
Austria's national debt level is higher than expected, according to the poll. While 52% expected a lower deficit, particularly Green Party supporters (60%), 42% predicted more debt, especially among NEOS voters (58%). The reasons for Austria's current tail end position in EU economic growth are clear to a majority of respondents: expensive energy and dependence on Russian gas as price drivers are not the main blame (8%), nor is the overall weak economy (10%). Instead, 40% point to the previous ÖVP-Green government, and 37% criticize the lack of reforms. Areas needing the most change are education, science, and research (26%) and industry (25%).
The government's focus on fiscal prudence, technology, green energy, and healthcare is expected to drive growth sectors, indirectly influencing public opinion on national debt by demonstrating economic resilience and diversification. The political stability and policy continuity are expected to positively impact Austria's economy, fostering investor confidence and enabling effective management of national debt.
What is the public's sentiment towards Austria's policy-and-legislation, particularly the three-party coalition, as revealed in the latest general-news polls? This sentiment, as indicated by the OGM poll results, shows a 39% approval rating for the coalition, but 31% prefer an ÖVP-FPÖ government and 26% opt for a coalition of ÖVP, SPÖ, and Greens, suggesting potential shifts in politics.
