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Far-Right Leader Herbert Kickl Poised for Austrian Chancellorship

1/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Herbert Kickl, the far-right Freedom Party leader, is on the brink of becoming Austria's chancellor after securing 29% of the vote in September's elections. With coalition talks collapsing, President Van der Bellen has entrusted him with forming a government. Kickl's divisive anti-immigration policies and resistance to EU sanctions on Russia spark fears for Austria's democratic future.

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Story summary

Herbert Kickl, the far-right Freedom Party leader, is on the brink of becoming Austria's chancellor after securing 29% of the vote in September's elections. With coalition talks collapsing, President Van der Bellen has entrusted him with forming a government. Kickl's divisive anti-immigration policies and resistance to EU sanctions on Russia spark fears for Austria's democratic future.