Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has tasked the leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), Herbert Kickl, with forming a coalition government following the collapse of attempts to create a centrist coalition. This pivotal meeting marks a significant shift in Austria's political landscape, heralding the possible first leadership of a far-right government since World War II. The FPO achieved approximately 29% of the vote in the recent parliamentary election, overtaking the conservative Austrian People’s Party (OVP), which came in second with about 26%.

Initially, President Van der Bellen had given the task of forming a government to outgoing Chancellor Karl Nehammer, but efforts to create a coalition without the FPO fell apart. Recognizing the lack of viable options, Van der Bellen's decision to invite Kickl for government formation talks reflects a dramatic shift since the president has historically opposed the FPO and particularly criticized Kickl himself, labelling him a “conspiracy theorist” and a potential security threat.

Kickl's party, known for its Eurosceptic stance and its friendly relations with Russia, has been vocal about controversial policies such as remigration of foreigners and calls to end sanctions against Russia. The 56-year-old, who has a history of provocative statements and controversial policies, has been vocal about the need for tighter immigration controls and has questioned EU support for Ukraine.

The meeting with Van der Bellen came amid rising support for the FPO, bolstered by growing voter frustration over issues like immigration and economic inflation. “I did not take this step lightly,” Van der Bellen stated, emphasizing his role in ensuring that democratic principles are respected throughout the coalition talks. As protests erupted outside the presidential palace, illustrating the public's divided stance on FPO's rise, the political landscape in Austria appears to be at a crossroads.

The outcomes of the coalition talks remain uncertain, with the prospect of another election lingering if discussions do not lead to a stable government. However, analysts suggest that since all potential partners currently lack alternative options, a coalition between the FPO and OVP is increasingly likely.

Austria's political dynamics not only reflect a national shift but also resonate within the European Union, where far-right movements are gaining traction. Experts warn this could signal a broader change in policy direction within the EU, as similar movements across Europe express support for the FPO's agenda. Moreover, the ramifications of a potential FPO-led government could influence Austria's long-standing policies of military neutrality and its stance within the European framework.

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