Vienna, Oct 5, (dpa/GNA) – The leader of the far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), on Saturday said he seeks to lead the next government as chancellor, days after the party topped parliamentary elections.
Herbert Kickl made the comments after meeting with Austrian President, Alexander Van der Bellen, for exploratory talks on Friday.
The FPÖ secured 28.8% of the vote in Sunday’s election, ahead of the conservative Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) on 26% and the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) on 21%.
However, the FPÖ faces a struggle to form a workable coalition government, as rivals have ruled out working with it, or with Kickl himself.
“This result is a clear mandate to deliver five good years for Austria,” said Kickl.
“Our hand is extended,” he added, referring to coalition negotiations.
A “coalition of losers,” Kickl suggested, would be undemocratic and a slap in the face of Austrian voters.
Van der Bellen intends to speak in the coming days with the leaders of other parties, including Chancellor Karl Nehammer from the ÖVP and SPÖ leader Andreas Babler.
GNA
