About: Alexander van der Bellen
Brigitte Bierlein becomes Austria’s first female chancellor
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen appointed the head of the country's consitutional court as Austria's first female chancellor Thursday (30 May) to lead an interim government until elections later in the year.
European mainstream politicians see hope in downfall of Austrian far right leader
Politicians from Europe's mainstream parties called on voters to stand against the far right, after a video sting brought down the leader of Austria's Freedom Party (FPÖ), hurting the momentum of nationalists days before a European parliamentary election.
Austria’s far-right puts into question international rights conventions
Austria’s far-right Interior Minister Herbert Kickl was accused by the opposition of threatening the rule of law Wednesday (23 January) after he appeared to call into question Austria’s commitment to international rights conventions. In comments on Austrian public television on Tuesday evening Kickl,...
Austrian president warns against ‘small-state mentality’
With the informal meeting of the defense minister and then the foreign minister in the last week of August, the Austrian Presidency enters crunch mode. EURACTIV Germany reports from Vienna.
In Austria, Putin calls for lifting sanctions, Kurz sticks by EU position
Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday (5 June) the European Union should end damaging sanctions against Moscow imposed over the Ukraine crisis and its annexation of Crimea.
Austria marks 80 years since Anchluss
Austria today (12 March) marks the 80th anniversary of its annexation by Nazi Germany, with the country's President Alexander Van der Bellen urging young people not to be "taken in" by neo-fascist and far-right ideologies.
Austria’s new government takes power
After two months of coalition talks with the far-right Austrian Freedom Party, Austria's Prime Minister Sebastian Kurz on Monday (18 December) finally formed a government. Of the 16 members of his cabinet, only one has previously had government responsibility - Kurz himself. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Austrian petition calls for Vienna to hold referendum on EU trade deals
An Austrian petition launched by opponents of a number of EU trade deals has exceeded the number of signatures needed to guarantee it is debated in parliament. The petition calls on Austria's leaders to hold a referendum on the agreements. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Austrian president finally takes office as government teeters
Alexander Van der Bellen, who beat the far-right candidate in a presidential election thriller last year, was sworn in today (26 January) just as speculation raged about the future of the government.
European relief at Austrian far-right election defeat
Austrian voters have resoundingly rejected anti-immigration and eurosceptic Norbert Hofer's bid to become the European Union's first far-right president, a result greeted with relief from centrist politicians across the continent.
Austria’s Nazi past encroaches on election campaign
Austria's most infamous son, Adolf Hitler, is rarely mentioned in his home country. So it came as a shock to many when presidential candidate Alexander Van der Bellen reached into a folder during a recent live TV debate and produced a photo montage including two images of the Führer.
Austria’s Jewish community makes unusual recommendation ahead of vote
Austria's Jewish community recommended yesterday (29 November) that voters back an independent candidate at Sunday’s election that could produce the first far-right president in the European Union - the first time it has ever declared an endorsement.
Austria’s presidential rivals clash in TV debate
The two candidates in Austria's longest ever presidential race clashed Sunday (27 November) over the European Union, Donald Trump, and migrants as they faced off in a TV duel a week before the runoff.
Divided Austria unites in opposition to EU army
Calls for an "EU army" to be set up have increased since Donald Trump's US election victory, but neutral Austria, at least, is handling the issue very carefully. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Will Austrian presidential election be hit by the ‘Trump effect’?
Will the political situation in the United States have an impact on European elections? Austria's rerun of its presidential election could well provide the first acid test, ahead of crucial votes in France and Germany next year. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Haunted by asylum centre fire, divided Austrian town prepares to vote
A group of men sip beers in Altenfelden's Barolo bar, remembering the night this summer when attackers set fire to the town's refugee centre before a single migrant had moved in.
Neo-Nazi issues death threat to Austrian presidential hopeful
A death threat by an apparent neo-Nazi on Twitter has prompted Austria's independent presidential candidate Alexander Van der Bellen to reinforce his personal security with members of the police special forces, a spokesman said on Wednesday (October 12).
Envelope manufacturers deny responsibility for Austrian election meltdown
The Austrian government said the rerun of the presidential election has been delayed because defective glue caused mail-in ballot envelopes to open, rendering the vote invalid. But the European Federation of Envelope Manufacturers (FEPE) replied that envelopes are not to blame.
Austria delays presidential election re-run after postal ballot snag
A re-run of Austria's presidential election scheduled for next month has been delayed, Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka said on Monday (12 September), after some postal voters complained of faulty seals on ballot papers.
Austria’s interior ministry could postpone new presidential vote
Austria's Interior Ministry said on Friday (9 September) it was considering postponing the re-run of a presidential election that is scheduled for 2 October on technical grounds after ballot papers for postal voting turned out to be damaged.
Far-right candidate ahead in polls for Austrian presidency
The far right is ahead in Austria's presidential race, according to opinion polls which predict a win for the anti-immigration candidate that would be a watershed for populists across Europe who have capitalised on the migration crisis.
Right wing nationalist set to win rerun Austrian presidential race
Freedom Party candidate Norbert Hofer has widened his lead in a Gallup poll ahead of October’s repeat election for the Austrian presidency.
Austrian far right gets election defeat annulled
Austria's presidential run-off election must be held again, the country's Constitutional Court ruled on Friday (1 July), handing the Freedom Party's narrowly defeated candidate another chance to become the first far-right head of state in the European Union.