Austria's Far-Right Leader Kickl Tasked with Forming Government, Invites Conservatives to Talks

Jan 7, 2025, 01:30 PM

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has tasked Herbert Kickl, leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), with forming a new government after coalition talks collapsed following Chancellor Karl Nehammer's resignation. The FPÖ, which won the September elections, could lead Austria's government for the first time since World War II. Kickl has invited the conservative People's Party (ÖVP) and its new leader Christian Stocker to coalition talks, emphasizing his intention to "govern Austria honestly"—the party's new slogan. The FPÖ's presidium has given the green light for negotiations, and Kickl has warned that failure to reach an agreement could result in snap elections. This development has raised concerns domestically and internationally, with opponents planning protests over the FPÖ's potential ascent to power.