Following failed coalition negotiations in Austria, a path to power is now opening up for the right-wing Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl. The 56-year-old holds some radical views, such as on migration.

With Karl Nehammer stepping down, Austria’s leadership is in transition as coalition talks with the far-right FPÖ begin. Here, we answer your questions on the most recent events in Austrian politics.

The head of Austrian far-right Freedom Party, Herbert Kickl, invited the conservative Austrian People's Party to coalition talks after being tasked with forming a government. #EuropeNews

The far-right Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) and the conservative People's Party (ÖVP), currently negotiating a coalition government in the Alpine state, are planning massive attacks on the working class and on migrants.

Since then, the conservatives have agreed to form a government with the far-right under a Chancellor Kickl. Kickl has successfully lobbied by promising the capital associations that he would implement the economic programme of the conservatives if he could take over the chancellery and important ministries.

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

The rise of the populist right in European elections continues as Herbert Kickl, the controversial leader of the populist-nationalist Freedom Party (FPÖ) appears on course to become Austria’s new chancellor after attempts to form a centrist coalition collapsed.

In this edition, we hear how Austria is on the cusp of crowning a far-right leader, and examine NATO chief Mark Rutte's plans to mend relations with the EU. #BrusselsMyLove

The European Commission has decided not to formally reprimand Austria for breaching the EU’s budget rules, in a major victory for Herbert Kickl's Freedom Party (FPÖ) which is poised to lead Vienna’s first far-right government since World War II.

At a beer-fueled meeting of Austria's far-right Freedom Party this week, members of parliament referred to Afghan refugees as “knife-wielding sex offenders” and to the EU's “repression of speech”, hidden camera footage has revealed.

The blue-black coalition negotiators presented a comprehensive austerity package on Thursday with which they want to avoid an EU deficit procedure.

With the elections in September 2024, the populist Freedom Party (FPÖ) became the strongest party in Austria for the first time. In January 2025, hopes of averting populism quickly faded when Austria’s Federal President Alexander van der Bellen was left with no choice other than giving the FPÖ a mandate to form a government.