Herbert Kickl on Track for Austrian Chancellorship

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen is set to meet with far-right leader Herbert Kickl to discuss the formation of a government after the Freedom Party emerged as the largest party in the recent elections, securing 29.2% of the vote. This meeting follows Chancellor Karl Nehammer's announcement of his resignation after unsuccessful coalition talks between his conservative People's Party and the center-left Social Democrats. Although Nehammer has ruled out collaboration with Kickl, a shift in sentiment within the People's Party suggests a potential openness to negotiations. If successful, this coalition would mark the first time a right-wing populist leads Austria as chancellor. Van der Bellen expressed that the voices within the People's Party opposing cooperation with Kickl have lessened, indicating a possible new political path. The Freedom Party's controversial platform includes calls for stringent immigration controls and a critical stance towards Western military aid to Ukraine.