Austria’s first three-party government since World War II took office on Monday, ending the country’s longest wait for a ruling coalition.

The new government, formed by the conservative People’s Party (OVP), Social Democrats (SPO), and liberals Neos, excludes the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), which won the September election but failed to form a coalition.

Chancellor Christian Stocker’s government faces challenges, including recession recovery, spending cuts, tax hikes on big business, stricter immigration rules, and tougher measures against extremism, Reuters has reported.

While the parties have agreed on a 200-page government programme, they face ongoing negotiations and pressure from the FPO, which calls for a snap election.

Written by B.C. Begley