Pro-Russian Politicians Are On The Rise In Austria And Slovakia

Politico.eu: Watch out Ukraine, here comes the Hungaro-Austrian Empire 

Pro-Russian politicians in the vein of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán are on the rise in Austria and Slovakia. VIENNA — Austrian politician Herbert Kickl is a pro-Russian, anti-American conspiracy theorist who champions horse dewormer as a remedy for COVID-19 and wants to turn the Alpine country into a “fortress” against migration. 

He’s also the odds-on favorite to become his country’s next leader and Europe’s next big headache. 

Kickl’s far-right Freedom Party has been leading the country’s national polls by several points since November as soaring inflation and a sharp increase in asylum applications fuel discontent with the current government, a coalition between the center-right Austrian People’s Party and the Greens. With the other main opposition party, the Social Democrats, plagued by infighting, Kickl’s party has the best chance in years to seize power.  

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WNU Editor: Its not only Austria and Slovakia that the political winds are changing. I would say a growing number of Europeans are growing dissatisfied with their established political parties, are deeply concerned of the future, and are looking for a change.

A Quarter Of Austria's Parliament Walks Out During Zelensky Address

 

BBC: Austria's far-right walks out of Zelensky speech 

More than 20 far-right Austrian MPs walked out of parliament during a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 

The politicians from the Freedom Party (FPO) argued Mr Zelensky's speech violated Austria's neutrality. 

They warned ahead of the speech they would hold some form of protest against the address. 

Austria has previously said it cannot help Ukraine's defence militarily, but does support Kyiv politically. 

In a video address, Mr Zelensky thanked Austria for its humanitarian assistance and help clearing land mines. 

He was speaking on the 400th day of Russian invasion. He also invited MPs to travel to Ukraine for themselves and see the destruction caused.  

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Update #1: Austria's far-right walks out on Zelenskiy speech (Reuters)  

Update #2: Austria’s far-right lawmakers walk out of Zelenskyy speech (Al Jazeera)  

WNU Editor: Austria's Freedom Party sees their position on Ukraine as a winning issue .... Austria far-right eyes comeback under new hardline leader (France 24).

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz Announces Resignation Amid Corruption Scandal

 

BBC: Sebastian Kurz: Austrian leader resigns amid corruption inquiry 

Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has stepped down, after pressure triggered by a corruption scandal. 

He has proposed Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg as his replacement. 

Mr Kurz and nine others were placed under investigation after raids at a number of locations linked to his conservative ÖVP People's Party. 

He denies claims he used government money to ensure positive coverage in a tabloid newspaper. 

The allegations this week took his coalition government to the brink of collapse after its junior partner, the Greens, said Mr Kurz was no longer fit to be chancellor.  

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More News On Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz Announcing His Resignation Amid Corruption Scandal

Kurz to quit as Austrian chancellor amid corruption probe -- AP  

Austria's Kurz announces resignation amid corruption investigation -- France 24  

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announces resignation -- DW  

Facing Criminal Inquiry, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz Resigns -- New York Times  

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz resigns amid corruption scandal -- CNN  

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz resigns amid corruption allegations -- Axios  

Austria's Sebastian Kurz: fallen 'Wunderkind' -- RFI

Kurz's Conservatives Win Austrian Election

Reuters: Kurz's conservatives win Austrian election, still need coalition partner

VIENNA (Reuters) - Austrian conservative leader Sebastian Kurz triumphed in Sunday’s parliamentary election, as widely expected, but he will need a coalition partner to form a stable government and the vote left him several options across the political spectrum.

The election followed the collapse in May of Kurz’s coalition with the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) after a video sting scandal that forced FPO Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache to step down.

Kurz, 33, has been largely unscathed by the scandal, even gaining voters from the FPO as its support has slipped to roughly a fifth of the electorate from a little more than a quarter in the last vote in 2017.

As predicted by opinion polls for months, Kurz’s People’s Party (OVP) came a comfortable first, with 37.2% of the vote, according to a projection by pollster SORA for national broadcaster ORF published soon after voting ended.

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WNU Editor: Austrian conservative leader Sebastian Kurz's party got significantly more votes in this election than the last one.

More News On Today's Austrian Election

The Latest: Austrian exit polls: Kurz leads in election -- AP
Ex-chancellor Kurz tops exit polls in Austria snap poll -- AP
Sebastian Kurz's People's Party ahead in Austria election: projection -- DW
Austria election: Sebastian Kurz's People's Party 'top poll' -- BBC
Kurz's conservatives ahead in Austrian elections as support for far right drops, exit polls show -- France 24
Austrian voters go to the polls in a snap election with ex-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz predicted to return to power but face difficult coalition negotiations following 'Ibiza-gate' scandal -- Daily Mail
Austria's Sebastian Kurz wins election, projections show -- Al Jazeera
Kurz’s OVP party projected to win big in Austrian parliamentary election -- RT
Sebastian Kurz: Austria's once and likely future chancellor -- DW

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz Ousted In A No-Confidence Vote

DW: Austrian parliament backs no-confidence vote against Chancellor Sebastian Kurz

Austrian lawmakers have voted for a motion of no confidence in the government of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. The vote was called by parties on the left, and supported by Kurz’s former far-right coalition partners.

Austrian lawmakers voted for a no-confidence motion against Chancellor Sebastian Kurz's government, marking the end of his People's Party's hold on power.

The far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) — Kurz's former coalition ally — joined center-left Social Democrats and the leftist environmentalist Jetzt (Now) party in the motion against both Kurz and his government.

Kurz's caretaker minority government, including experts and senior public servants, was sworn into office last week.

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WNU Editor: Chancellor Sebastian Kurz may have been ousted, but he is positioned to do well in the next election. His centre-right People's Party (OeVP) significantly increased its support in yesterday's EU elections .... Austrian centre-right leading in European election vote, far-right third (AFP), and my friends in central Europe are telling me that he will do just as well (if not better) in the next election.

More News On Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz Being Ousted In A No-Confidence Vote

The Latest: Austrian chancellor ousted in no-confidence vote -- AP
Austria's Sebastian Kurz: from 'whizz-kid' politician to deposed leader -- France24
Austrian lawmakers sack Kurz as video sting crisis rolls on -- Reuters
Sebastian Kurz, Austrian Leader, Is Ousted in No-Confidence Vote -- The New York Times
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz loses confidence vote -- CNN
Austria’s Chancellor Kurz loses no confidence vote following corruption scandal -- RT

Austria Rocked By Corruption Scandal After Vice-Cancellor Caught On Camera Promising Public Contracts To A Woman Posing As A Russian Backer

The Guardian: Austrian coalition in crisis after vice-chancellor resigns over secret video

Far-right party leader appeared to offer contracts in return for campaign help

The fate of Austria’s coalition government is in the balance after the far-right vice-chancellor resigned over a video that appeared to show him promising public contracts to a woman posing as a Russian backer, in return for help in his election campaign.

The Freedom party (FPO) leader, Heinz-Christian Strache, told a press conference in Vienna on Saturday that he had been the victim of a “targeted political assassination” aimed at breaking apart the coalition, and insisted the full video would show he had done nothing illegal.

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WNU Editor: He was set-up, and he felled for it. Heinz-Christian Strache's excuse is that he was drunk and he wanted to impress the attractive woman who was telling him that they could help him. This attractive woman did not only give him no help, but she and her accomplices videotaped the entire meeting. He is toast, and deservedly so. I also expect an election call any moment now.

More News On Austria's Corruption Scandal

Austria's Sebastian Kurz calls for snap elections after corruption scandal -- DW
Austria's far-right Vice Chancellor resigns over video scandal -- France 24
Austrian resignation a blow to populists ahead of EU vote -- AP
Austria is heading for snap election: APA -- Reuters
Austria chancellor calls for snap election after corruption scandal -- BBC
Austria's Sebastian Kurz under fire for far-right coalition -- DW
Austrian far-right leader quits over sting, coalition teeters -- Al Jazeera
Austria’s Vice Chancellor resigns over scandalous video footage -- TASS
Austria Heading for Snap Election After Video Scandal - Reports -- Sputnik
'As soon as possible': Austria's Kurz on snap elections following leaked video scandal -- RT
Austrian VC caught discussing alleged shady deals, and pundits cry 'Russia took over the country' -- RT

Austria Is Tilting Towards Russia

The Russian Embassy in Vienna, Austria. Christian Wind/NBC News

NBC: Austria's tilt toward Russia worries intelligence experts

A pro-Moscow party is responsible for Austria's intelligence services, raising fears that Western secrets might be leaked to Vladimir Putin's government.

VIENNA — In a 19th-century kaffeehaus here, a handful of political activists nod their heads while sharing opinions many would consider racist, homophobic and awash with conspiracy theories.

One topic is never far from their lips: These men believe that historically neutral Austria should turn its back on the West and embrace Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"It's our aim to somehow counter this negative image of Russia propagated in Western media," Alexander Markovics, 26, says between sips of fizzy apple juice.

"We have to take the side of Russia," the stocky and bearded Markovics adds. "Russia is a country that gets oppressed and is actually the victim of Western imperialism."

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WNU Editor: Austria is not the only country in Europe that is tilting towards Russia. There has been a political shift this year from many major political parties and governments in Europe for a softening line towards Moscow .... and this is probably because polling numbers and surprising election results  are telling politicians that this is what the people want. German Chancellor Merkel's trip to meet Russian President Putin in Sochi earlier this week is a reflection on European countries wanting better relations with Putin .... and to top it all off ....  French President Macron is seeing Putin today.

Austria Parliamentary Elections -- News Updates October 15, 2017

Daily Mail: Austria is set to be run by the world's youngest leader as right-wing 31-year-old who wants to cut all benefits for foreigners and halt EU meddling declares victory in the election

* Conservative Sebastian Kurz, 31, is set to take power and form far-right alliance
* His People's Party is forecast to reap more than 30 percent of the election vote
* Wants to cut benefits for all foreigners and slash Austria's red tape with Europe
* In a move that will alarm Brussels he wants to keep the EU out of national affairs

The leader of Austria's right-leaning People's Party has declared victory in a national election that puts him on track to become the world's youngest leader.

Austrian foreign minister Sebastian Kurz, 31, claimed the win on Sunday night after projections gave his party a comfortable lead with more than 90 percent of the ballots counted.

He fell well short of a majority, but has not ruled out the possibility of forming a minority government once the final result comes in.

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WNU Editor: Another blow to the EU? .... Austria election RESULTS: Eurosceptic Sebastian Kurz declares VICTORY in nightmare for EU (Express). Facebook and dirty campaigning are  being blamed for this result .... How dirty campaigning and fake Facebook sites came to dominate the Austrian election (Washington Post). The media narrative is also claiming that Putin is the big winner from this election result .... 'Putin's friends' in Austria's right-wing FPÖ achieve strong election result DW). What's my take .... a candidate who ran on a platform of cutting benefits to immigrants and to lessen the power of the EU has won, and has already indicated that he will form an alliance with another conservative group to form a majority government.

Austria Parliamentary Elections -- News Updates October 15, 2017

The Latest: Election tally shows Austria turning right -- Washington Post/AP
Austrian elections: Young, conservative Sebastian Kurz's People's Party wins poll -- DW
Austria shifts to right as conservative star seals election win -- Reuters
Austria's Kurz: Europe's youngest leader in waiting -- AFP
Election produces likely right turn, young leader in Austria -- AP
Austrian Vote Nudges Europe's Balance to Right as Populists Gain -- Bloomberg
Austria's next chancellor a 31-year-old conservative, early results show -- CNN
Austria's Conservatives Show Few Qualms About Teaming up With Far Right -- US News and World Report/Reuters

Austrian Presidential Election Overturned. A New Election Has Been Called

BBC: Austria presidential poll result overturned

Austria's highest court has annulled the result of the presidential election narrowly lost by the candidate of the far-right Freedom Party.

The party had challenged the result, saying that postal votes had been illegally and improperly handled.

The Freedom Party candidate, Norbert Hofer, lost the election to the former leader of the Greens, Alexander Van der Bellen, by just 30,863 votes or less than one percentage point.
The election will now be re-run.

Announcing the decision, Gerhard Holzinger, head of the Constitutional Court, said: "The challenge brought by Freedom Party leader Heinz-Christian Strache against the 22 May election... has been upheld."
He added: "The decision I am announcing today has no winner and no loser, it has only one aim: to strengthen trust in the rule of law and democracy."

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WNU Editor: I was surprised by the election result when it was announced in May. Before the absentee votes were counted The Freedom Party candidate, Norbert Hofer was ahead of the polls, and for him to lose more than 60% of the absentee votes had to go against him. As it turned out .... the absentee votes were entirely against him .... hence his defeat. Will a second vote be any different .... considering what is happening in the EU right now, and that more information on former leader of the Greens, Alexander Van der Bellen has come out on his views on Austria, immigration, etc. .... I am willing to bet that there is going to be a different result.

More News On Austria's Presidential Election Being Overturned

Austrian far right gets second chance at presidency with vote re-run -- Reuters
Austrian court overturns presidential elections, calls rerun -- AP
Austria Orders Rerun of Presidential Vote That Nationalist Lost -- Bloomberg
Austrian court annuls presidential election result -- The Local

Austria Investigating Into Alleged Presidential Election Postal Vote Fraud

Euronews: Austria launches probe into alleged postal vote irregularities

Five voting districts are being investigated in Austria over postal vote irregularities in the close-run presidential election, the interior minister has announced.

Allegations of fraud arose from the far-right Freedom party (FPÖ) of defeated candidate Norbert Hofer, after the Green candidate Alexander Van der Bellen just scrapped ahead with 31,000 votes when the postal ballot was counted.

The Villach branch of FPÖ lodged a complaint with the country’s corruption prosecutor over the Carinthia council counting votes on Sunday and not Monday like in the rest of the country.

Speaking on Austrian TV, Freedom Party leader Heinz Christan Strache said, “The democratic result has to be respected. There are many hints from the people, these will be checked by lawyers, and independent people and we have to evaluate that.”

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Update: Austria Launches Probe Into Alleged Presidential Election Postal Vote Fraud (Zero Hedge).

Previous Post: Norbert Hofer Of The Freedom Party Is Projected To Win The Austrian Presidential Election (Update: Left-Winger Vvan der Bellen Wins Austrian Presidential Election) (May 23, 2016).

WNU Editor: This is raising a few eyebrows.

Norbert Hofer Of The Freedom Party Is Projected To Win The Austrian Presidential Election (Update: Left-Winger Vvan der Bellen Wins Austrian Presidential Election)

BBC: Austria presidential vote: Postal ballots to decide result

Postal ballots will decide Austria's presidential election after polling station results from Sunday's vote gave the far-right candidate a slender lead.

Norbert Hofer of the Freedom Party was slightly ahead of his rival, Alexander Van der Bellen, the interior ministry said on Sunday.

If elected, Mr Hofer would be the first far-right head of state in the EU.

A key campaign issue was Europe's migrant crisis, which has seen asylum-seeker numbers soar.

About 90,000 people claimed asylum in Austria last year, equivalent to about 1% of the Austrian population, and the Freedom Party ran an anti-immigration campaign.

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WNU Editor: The media is saying that this election is too close to call .... I disagree. Norbert Hofer has won almost 52% of the regular vote, and will only need 40% of the postal ballots to clinch the election. And while the Presidency holds limited powers, he does have the power to call an election which in turn will most likely result with his party forming the next government. What is happening in Austria also portends on what may be happen in Germany next year when they have their elections. If trends continue .... German Chancellor Merkel's will not be in power and her coalition allies will probably be wiped out.

More News On Austria's Presidential Election

Far-right candidate holds narrow lead in Austria presidential vote -- AP
In Austrian Election, Far-Right Candidate Is Deadlocked With Rival -- NYT
Austria: Tight presidential election reveals a split nation -- AP
EU braces itself for its first Far-Right president: Austrian ballot goes down to the wire with postal votes set to decide if anti-immigrant candidate is elected -- Daily Mail
Austria Presidential Election Results 2016: Candidates Tied In Runoff Race -- IBTimes
Far-right candidate slightly ahead as Austria vote-counting continues -- USA Today
Austria’s Razor-Edge Vote Means Absentees to Decide Presidency -- Bloomberg
Results of Austrian presidential vote too close to call -- DW
Austria’s presidential race: Far-right Hofer wins with 51.9%, intrigue with postal ballots uncounted -- RT

UPDATE (10;30 EST): It looks like I was wrong. Some media reports are now projecting that Norbert Hofer of the Freedom Party will lose the Austrian Presidential election.

Update 11:00 EST: Norbert Hofer has lost the election .... Left-winger van der Bellen wins Austrian presidential election (The Local)

Austrian Election: Right-Wing Freedom Party With Its Anti-Immigrant Stance Tops Presidential First Round

AFP: Austrian government in shock as far-right triumps

Vienna (AFP) - Austria's government was licking its wounds Monday after a historic debacle that saw the opposition anti-immigrant far-right triumph in a presidential ballot two years before the next scheduled general election.

According to preliminary results, Norbert Hofer of the Freedom Party (FPOe) came a clear first with 36 percent of the vote, while candidates from the two governing parties failed to even make it into a runoff on May 22.

The result means that for the first time since 1945, Austria will not have a president backed by either Chancellor Werner Faymann's Social Democrats (SPOe) or their centre-right coalition partners the People's Party (OeVP).

"This is the beginning of a new political era," FPOe leader Heinz-Christian Strache said after what constituted the best-ever result at federal level for the former party of the late Joerg Haider, calling it a "historic result".

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More News On The Austrian Election

Austrian Presidential Vote Gives Edge to Right-Wing Candidate -- NYT
Austrian law-and-order presidential candidate wins 1st round -- AP
Austria far right freezes out coalition in presidency race -- Reuters
Austria election: Far-right tops first round of presidential vote -- BBC
Anti-immigrant candidate wins first round of Austria election -- USA Today
Austria's Right-Wing Freedom Party Tops Presidential First Round -- Bloomberg
Austrian Voters Deal Blow to Mainstream Parties in Election -- WSJ
Gun-Toting Immigration Foe Wins Austrian Presidential Vote -- Daily Caller