Herbert Kickl, leader of the far-right Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ), is facing challenges in forming a new government following the party’s win in the recent national election. Kickl met with the federal president to discuss coalition options, but the centre-left SPÖ, Green Party, and liberal NEOS have all rejected working with the FPÖ. The former ruling OVP is open to collaboration, but only if Kickl is excluded from the government due to his controversial views and previous associations with the party.
Kickl, known for endorsing conspiracy theories and anti-immigration rhetoric, has been a divisive figure in Austrian politics. As a longtime campaign strategist for the FPÖ, he rose to prominence as interior minister before the government collapsed due to a corruption scandal. Chancellor Karl Nehammer has even labeled Kickl a “security risk” and believes it is impossible to work with him to govern the state.
The FPÖ, founded in 1956 by former Nazis, takes a hard-line stance on immigration and seeks to reclaim powers from the EU for Austria. The party is part of a right-wing populist alliance in the European Parliament and has called for lifting sanctions against Russia while criticizing Western military aid to Ukraine.
Overall, Kickl and the FPÖ face an uphill battle in coalition negotiations as mainstream parties reject working with them due to their controversial views and policies. The future of Austrian politics remains uncertain as parties navigate the post-election landscape.
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