Austria's President Initiates Government Talks After Election

Following the recent parliamentary elections in Austria, President Alexander Van der Bellen has initiated exploratory talks to form a new government. The far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), led by Herbert Kickl, won 29% of the vote but lacks a majority, making coalition partners essential. Van der Bellen emphasized the need for unity and compromise among parties, warning against confrontation and stressing the importance of upholding core democratic values, including minority rights and EU membership. He has scheduled meetings with key party leaders, including outgoing Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Social Democratic Party leader Andreas Babler. Despite the FPÖ's electoral success, other parties have shown reluctance to partner with them, complicating the coalition-building process. The president has tasked the current government to remain in a caretaker role until a new coalition is formed.