Austria's President Van der Bellen Meets FPÖ Leader

Austria's political landscape is shifting dramatically as the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) is positioned to potentially lead the government following the resignation of Chancellor Karl Nehammer. After failed coalition talks between the conservative Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), the Social Democrats (SPÖ), and the liberal Neos, President Alexander Van der Bellen will meet with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl to discuss government formation. This meeting comes amidst shifting attitudes within the ÖVP, where some members are now open to collaborating with the FPÖ, which topped the recent elections with 29.2% of the vote. Kickl has criticized the previous coalition attempts and claims the FPÖ is a stable force in Austrian politics. The potential coalition could mark a significant political shift, as the FPÖ's hard-right policies on migration and economic issues are likely to dominate discussions. As the situation evolves, Austria might witness its first chancellor from the FPÖ, dramatically altering its political trajectory.