Austrian far-right to return to government



Austria's conservative People's Party has agreed a coalition with the far-right Freedom Party.


The deal comes two months after a parliamentary election which the People's Party won but without an overall majority.

At just 31, the People's Party's Sebastian Kurz is set to become the world's youngest head of government.

If the coalition is ratified, Austria would become the only western European state with a governing far-right party.
The parties previously governed the country together between 2000 and 2005.

The two leaders gave no details about the government's programme. They said they would first inform Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen and their respective parties on Saturday.

A 15 October election in Austria failed to yield a conclusive result.
The campaign was dominated by Europe's migration crisis, something the anti-immigration Freedom Party has long campaigned about.

Mr Kurz appealed to conservative and right-wing voters with pledges to shut down migrant routes to Europe, cap benefit payments to refugees, and bar immigrants from receiving benefits until they have lived in Austria for five years.

The Freedom Party accused Mr Kurz of stealing their policies. Their candidate, Heinz-Christian Strache, branded him an "imposter".

Following his party's victory, Mr Kurz said: "It is time for change in this country. Today is a strong order for us, to change this country, and I say thank you to you all who made this possible."

Resurgent right-wing populist groups have been promoting anti-immigration and Eurosceptic agendas across much of the EU. Unlike the Freedom Party, they have struggled to convert ballot box success into real power.

Earlier this year, Marine Le Pen's far-right National Front party lost the French presidential election comprehensively. Ms Le Pen was defeated by Emmanuel Macron, a liberal centrist and strong supporter of the European Union.

Elsewhere, the Dutch anti-immigration Freedom party of Geert Wilders was defeated by liberal leader Mark Rutte. In Germany, the nationalist and populist right of Alternative for Germany (AfD) gained seats in the national parliament, where it is now third biggest party, but it is not in the frame for coalition talks.

So a far-right party coming into power in Austria is an exception in Europe.





Popular Posts

Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods Backed By Science (What to Eat For Better Health)

Favorite Brain Games: Keep Your Mind Sharp And Entertained

Trump Organization CFO Surrenders In Advance Of Anticipated Charges

Rolex Reseller Chrono24 has recently announced their appointment of a new CEO

CDC Recommends Antibiotic For Use As 'Morning After Pill' To Protect Against STIs

UK Ports Are'Moving Quickly' To Prevent Russian Ships From Entering The Country

Understanding Placental Insufficiency: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options

The Early Age Of First Period And Its Link To Obesity, Poor Diet, And Other Factors

Unconventional Sports That Keep You In Shape

The Silent Epidemic: Understanding And Managing Back Pain