Austria's Freedom Party Seeks Coalition After Historic Win

Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPO) seeks a coalition partner after winning 29% of the vote in a historic parliamentary election. Despite their success, other parties in parliament are reluctant to form a coalition with FPO leader Herbert Kickl, who faces criticism for his controversial policies and ties with Viktor Orban.

Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPO) is on the hunt for a coalition partner following their historic parliamentary election victory on Sunday. The FPO, led by Herbert Kickl, secured 29% of the vote, outpacing Chancellor Karl Nehammer's conservative People's Party (OVP) by 2.5 percentage points.

Kickl's anti-establishment and Eurosceptic stances have left other parties in parliament hesitant to engage in coalition talks. Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen has called on all parties to initiate discussions, noting that the process could extend beyond the usual two to three months.

The FPO's triumph bolstered far-right sentiments across Europe but lacked personal endorsement for Kickl. Nehammer has ruled out forming a government with Kickl, potentially leading to a coalition involving the OVP and Social Democrats. Kickl's anti-establishment narrative continues to resonate amid the political uncertainty.

(With inputs from agencies.)