Herbert Kickl, the leader of the far-right Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ), is facing challenges in forming a new government after the party won nearly 29% of the votes in the recent national election. The other major political parties in Austria, including the SPÖ, Green Party, and NEOS, have all ruled out collaborating with the FPÖ. The former ruling OVP, which secured 26% of the vote, has indicated it might consider forming a coalition, but only if Kickl is excluded from the government.
Kickl, a controversial figure known for endorsing conspiracy theories and anti-immigration rhetoric, has been deemed a “security risk” by Chancellor Karl Nehammer. The FPÖ, founded in 1956 by former Nazis, takes a hard-line stance on immigration, advocating for the “remigration of uninvited foreigners” and seeking to reclaim powers from the EU for Austria.
In the past, Kickl has also criticized the World Health Organization and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling her a “warmonger.” The FPÖ is a part of the right-wing populist alliance in the European Parliament, Patriots for Europe, and has been vocal in its support for lifting sanctions against Russia and opposing Western military aid to Ukraine.
Despite the challenges faced in coalition negotiations, Kickl remains determined to form a government that aligns with the FPÖ’s nationalist and anti-EU agenda. The outcome of the negotiations will have significant implications for Austria’s political landscape and its relationships with other countries in the European Union.
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