Austria Seeks Political Harmony After Far-Right Election Win

Austria's president urged political parties to avoid confrontation and seek compromise after the far-right Freedom Party won the national election. Although the party lacks a majority, it may need a coalition partner. President Alexander Van der Bellen emphasized the importance of fundamental values and a constructive role within the EU.

Austria's president, Alexander Van der Bellen, called on parliamentary parties to shun confrontation and seek compromises in coalition talks, following the far-right Freedom Party's victory in Sunday's national election. Despite emerging as the leading party with around 29% of the vote, it failed to secure an outright majority.

The Freedom Party, known for its Russia-friendly and Eurosceptic stance, needs a coalition partner to govern as other parties have shown no interest. Van der Bellen, who supervises government formation, emphasized the need for discussions to find common answers to pressing national issues, including the cost of living, climate change, and healthcare.

Chancellor Karl Nehammer's conservative Austrian People's Party is the only one open to a coalition but ruled out collaboration with the Freedom Party's leader, Herbert Kickl. Despite this, Nehammer urged the president to formally ask the Freedom Party to form a coalition, a suggestion Van der Bellen did not comment on.

(With inputs from agencies.)