Austria’s president has given the leader of the far-right Freedom Party, Herbert Kickl, a chance to try to form a government coalition after months of failed talks among mainstream parties. The task was announced on Monday by President Alexander Van der Bellen, who expressed confidence in Kickl’s ability to find viable solutions.
The Freedom Party finished first in the September general election with nearly 30% of the vote but fell short of a majority. Kickl has vowed to make Austria a “fortress” and is an anti-immigrant firebrand who has clashed with European leaders on issues like Russia’s war in Ukraine. His party has ties to Moscow and opposes sanctions on Russia.
The president’s request starts a process that could lead to Kickl becoming the country’s first far-right chancellor since World War II, raising concerns among EU partners. The conservative Austrian People’s Party initially refused to work with Kickl, but after their failed coalition talks collapsed, they now consider joining forces with him.
If Kickl fails to find common ground, President Van der Bellen could call new elections. The situation has sparked protests and concern from Muslim and Jewish groups in Vienna.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/06/world/europe/austria-coalition-far-right-chancellor.html