Austria's centrist parties may come to their senses and try a second round of coalition talks, or form a minority government. And even if Kickl does prevail, that doesn't mean he'll succeed. He'll soon realise governing is far harder than campaigning.

Talks to form a coalition government led by Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPO) will begin on Friday, the party said on Thursday, as thousands protested in Vienna against the prospect of the country's first FPO-led government.

Even so, according to polls, the FPÖ will do still better if snap elections are held. Kronen Zeitung, Austria’s largest-circulation tabloid, published a poll on January 5th that put the FPÖ at 37% of the vote, which would give them around 40% of the seats in parliament. That should focus the minds of the ÖVP ’s negotiators. ■

Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPO), which won September's parliamentary election with 29% of the vote, is due to start coalition talks with the conservative People's Party (OVP) this week aimed at creating the country's first FPO-led government.

Austria could soon have its first government led by the far right since World War II. President Alexander Van der Bellen has turned to the far-right Freedom Party and its provocative leader Herbert Ki

Elon Musk may steal headlines with his zeal for Germany’s AfD party, but sentiments are shifting well beyond Berlin.

Even in Austria fans love Henrik Lundqvist. While skiing in Austria, Lundqvist spotted a fan wearing a New York Rangers jersey with his name on the back as the two engaged in a quick conversation. “What a pleasure this is,

The Freedom Party and its leader, Herbert Kickl, have steadily built support by demonizing immigrants, while entering Austria’s political mainstream.

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. The leader of Austria’s Freedom Party, Herbert Kickl, addresses a news conference, in Vienna, Austria ...

Mr Kickl’s political hero is Viktor Orban, Hungary’s autocratic leader. But unlike Hungarian voters who first voted Mr Orban in, few Austrian voters seem enamoured with Mr Kickl. Only 2% of FPÖ voters in September said they voted for the party because of Mr Kickl, while 45% said they did so because of its policies.

The German man has been identified after his bones, including part of a leg, were discovered in western Austria.

India Sherret of Cranbrook, B.C., captured gold on Friday, the final day of World Cup ski cross racing in Reiteralm, Austria. Ottawa's Hannah Schmidt earned bronze despite a crash with teammate Brittany Phelan of Mont-Tremblant,