Austrian President entrusts far-right leader to form government
Photo: Herbert Kickl, leader of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (Getty Images)
Herbert Kickl, leader of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), may become the country's new chancellor after being tasked with forming a government, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen announced.
According to Van der Bellen, his decision to entrust Kickl with forming a government was motivated by respect for the voters. The FPÖ secured 29% of the vote in the parliamentary elections, placing first.
The president added that the situation changed after the collapse of coalition negotiations.
"As we all witnessed this past weekend, the ÖVP (Austrian People's Party) abandoned its categorical 'no' to a government led by the FPÖ. I did not take this step lightly," he said.
Der Spiegel notes that before Kickl can become chancellor, the ÖVP and FPÖ must agree on a government program. However, there are several obstacles to overcome, despite broad agreement on migration and tax policies.
The parties differ on foreign and security policy. The far-right FPÖ advocates for closer ties with Moscow and maintains a critical stance toward the European Union.
Austrian Chancellor Resigns
Yesterday, January 5, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced his resignation. The decision followed the failure of coalition negotiations.
In response, interim ÖVP leader Christine Stocker expressed readiness to form a government with the far-right FPÖ.
