Summary

Austria’s President Alexander Van der Bellen has tasked Herbert Kickl, leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), with forming a new government after the collapse of coalition talks among centrist parties.

The FPÖ won 28.8% in the September election, surpassing the conservative Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP).

Initially excluded, Kickl is now engaging in coalition talks with the ÖVP, reflecting a shift in political dynamics.

This has drawn parallels to Germany, where far-right AfD leaders predict similar political breakthroughs despite current resistance from mainstream parties.