Austrian government in turmoil as Nehammer steps down
Herbert Kickl, the leader of the Freedom Party of Austria, has been mandated by President Van der Bellen to form a new government.
Herbert Kickl, the leader of the right-wing populist Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), announced on Tuesday that he has undertaken the mission of forming a new government.
He received this task a day earlier from the President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen.
The Freedom Party of Austria plans to initiate coalition negotiations with the conservative Austrian People's Party (ÖVP). These discussions aim to establish a stable governing coalition that can effectively manage the country.
Until recently, the ÖVP categorically rejected the possibility of cooperation with the Freedom Party. The outgoing Chancellor and former leader of the party, Karl Nehammer, was unwilling to begin coalition talks with them.
Political earthquake in Austria
Following the breakdown of negotiations to form a government coalition in Austria, Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced on Saturday evening that he intends to resign as head of the government and chair of the conservative ÖVP, according to the dpa agency. Earlier that day, the chancellor's party attempted coalition talks with the Social Democrats.
At the same time, Nehammer made it clear that he is unwilling to enter coalition talks with the right-wing FPÖ under Herbert Kickl's leadership. He expressed his strong belief that radical approaches fail to provide solutions to any issues.
