Austria's president sought on Thursday to find a path towards a centrist ruling coalition without the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) after the FPO's bid to lead a government for the first time failed.

However, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen did not give the Freedom Party leader the mandate to form a coalition government until January, after attempts to form a coalition bloc without Kickl’s party failed. There has not been a far-right leading party in Austria’s government since World War II.

After the collapse of FPÖ-ÖVP coalition talks, Austria faces weeks of political uncertainty. Options include a new coalition, a minority government, an ‘expert’ government or fresh elections. Here's what each means and their likelihood.