Austrian far-right party agrees to hold coalition talks
AUSTRIA’S far-right FPOe party yesterday agreed to enter talks on forming a coalition government with incoming Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, offering a boost to populist parties in Europe.
The conservative chancellor, 31, invited the FPOe (Freedom Party) for talks, paving the way for the party to return to power nearly two decades after it last entered government in 2000.
“We have accepted this invitation,” said FPOe leader HeinzChristian Strache. His party came third in vote on October 15.
The last time the FPOe entered government Austria was ostracised in Europe. Its then-leader, Joerg Haider, praised Hitler’s “orderly” employment policies.
But such a backlash is not expected this time. The FPOe – Founded by ex-Nazis afterWorld War II – has sought to soften its image. Its recent rise has mirrored that of other populist parties in Europe.
‘Stable government’ wanted
Kurz earlier said that “very constructive” preliminary talks had already been held between his People’s Party (OeVP) and the FPOe. He said he hoped an agreement would be reached by Christmas.
“Austria deserves to have a stable government formed quickly,” he said.
Kurz, nicknamed wunderwuzzi (“whizz-kid”), took over the conservative OeVP in May. He attracted supporters by depicting himself as a breath of fresh air, talking tough on immigration and vowing to slash taxes and red tape.
The OeVP won 31.5 percent of October 15’s vote, followed by the centre-left Social Democrats on 26.9 percent. Their leader, Christian Kern, is preparing his party to lead the opposition.
The FPOe, which has long been critical of the European Union, came a close third with 26.0 percent, just short of its 1999 record of 26.9 percent under Haider.
Kurz, who is set to become the world’s youngest leader, yesterday insisted a that “clear proEurope orientation” was a prerequisite for entering a coalition with his party. He said last week he expected Austria to play an “active” role in the EU, but Strache did not immediately address those comments.
The FPOe is demanding increased border security, Swissstyle direct democracy and economic reforms.
Its leaders have also said Islam “has no place” in Austria.
After he dined in Strache’s home following his electoral victory, Austria dubbed Kurz’s ties with the FPOe leader the “sushi coalition”.
“We agree on some points and disagree on others,” Kurz said yesterday, without elaborating.
Last week he vowed “zero tolerance” on anti-Semitism in any future government.