In Austria, the president has tasked the leader of the far-right party with forming a government.

Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen has tasked the leader of the far-right pro-Russian party – the Austrian Freedom Party – Herbert Kickl, with beginning the formation of a government. This political force won the elections in September.

Van der Bellen wrote about this on social media platform X.

“My constitutional duty is to announce the chances of a government with a majority of over 50% in the National Council. For this reason, I have invited FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl to the Hofburg to discuss the new situation with him,” the president stated.

Kickl expressed his confidence to Van der Bellen that he would be able to “find viable solutions within the government negotiations” and wishes to take on this responsibility. Therefore, the Austrian president has tasked the winner of the parliamentary elections with starting negotiations with the ÖVP party, which has been in power until now, regarding the formation of the federal government.

“Herbert Kickl will continuously report to me on the progress of the negotiations. I will continue to monitor the proper adherence to the principles and norms of our constitution,” the head of state concluded.

Spiegel notes that before Kickl can become Chancellor, the ANP and APS will need to agree on a government program. There are several sticking points in this matter, although there is broad consensus on migration and taxes.

The parties differ in their views on foreign policy and security policy, as the far-right APS wants to “be friends” with Moscow and is critical of the European Union.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that austrian Wien Energy GmbH, which supplies gas to over 2 million consumers in Vienna and its surroundings, will completely abandon gas from Russia starting in 2025.