In parliamentary systems, coalition governments are formed when no single party wins a majority. Austria's recent election resulted in a fragmented parliament, leading to protracted negotiations. The formation of a centrist coalition marks a significant political shift, sidelining the far-right Freedom Party despite their initial electoral success. - Austria's three centrist parties, the OVP, SPO, and Neos, have finalized a coalition agreement to form a new government. - The coalition formation comes after five months of negotiations, the longest in Austria's post-war history. - The far-right Freedom Party (FPO), despite winning the most votes in the election, has been excluded from the coalition. - The new government will face the challenge of reconciling the different policy priorities of the three coalition partners. - The coalition aims to address Austria's economic challenges, including navigating the country out of a recession.