About: Austrian elections
Austrian conservatives and Greens strike New Year’s coalition deal
Austrian conservative leader Sebastian Kurz struck a coalition deal on Wednesday (1 January) with the Greens to ensure his return to power and bring the left-wing party into government for the first time, three months after Kurz won a parliamentary election.
Austria, Russia keep in step ahead of polls
As Austrians go to the polls Sunday (29 September), one image that stands out from the last right-wing administration is that of the foreign minister dancing with Russian President Vladimir Putin at her wedding, causing widespread derision in the small Alpine country and abroad.
Strache prepares his political comeback following Austrian corruption scandal
The guessing games have come to an end as Austria's former Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache announced on Monday (17 June) he will remain politically active in Vienna and won't take up his MEP seat in Brussels. An analysis by Herbert Vytiska for EURACTIV Germany.
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.
Czech MEPs downplay V4 role in EU’s migration policy change
The EU is finally heading the way we are proposing in terms of migration policy, the Visegrád Group countries say. But two Czech MEPs point out that the V4’s contribution to the change may be limited and other factors should be considered as well.
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.
What lies behind Kurz’s defence of the far-right FPÖ
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz intends for his government to be "measured by its actions", just as Angela Merkel said it should be. Nevertheless, the young leader still has some explaining to do when it comes to his coalition partners. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Italy up in arms over Austria passport offer to South Tyrol residents
Italian politicians denounced yesterday (18 December) a proposal by Austria's new government to offer passports to German-speaking residents of the northern Italian province of Alto Adige.
Power limited for Austrian foreign minister, fan of Bruno Kreisky, critic of Juncker
Austria's new Freedom Party foreign minister, Karin Kneissl, is a Middle East and international law expert who stated her priority as enforcing national interests, not just "rubber-stamping" EU positions.
Many police, few protesters as far right enters Austrian government
Hundreds of police sealed off part of central Vienna yesterday (18 December) as Austria became the only western European country with a far-right party in power, but protests against the swearing-in proved small and largely peaceful.
EU silently accepts far-right in Austrian cabinet
Unlike in 2000, when the EU imposed sanctions on Austria in response to the entrance of the FPÖ into government, this time EU leaders and institutions silently accepted the coalition deal between the far-right force with the conservative ÖVP agreed on Friday (15 December).
Austrian party head quits over sex harassment claims
Prominent Austrian politician Peter Pilz on Saturday (4 November) quit parliament and stepped down as head of his newly formed anti-establishment party over sexual harassment allegations.
Austria’s Sebastian Kurz – conservative and pro-European
With Sebastian Kurz, the EU can count on a pro-European partner in the new Austrian government. And expect a policy that is based on conservative values, but also willing to reform. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Austria’s Kurz hopes to form government by Christmas
Austria's likely next chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, wants talks over a new government to last no more than two months, he said in a newspaper interview published on Sunday (22 October).
EU holds breath after Austrian vote
Reactions from the European Commission and Council presidents are still pending following the early parliamentary elections held in Austria on Sunday (15 October), the nightmare outcome of which could be a coalition between the centre-right and the far-right.
Austria’s ‘Wunderwuzzi’ on course for election win at just 31
Tall, tanned and only 31, Austria's rising political star Sebastian Kurz oozed confidence as he strode to blaring pop music into Graz's main square -- seemingly with good reason.
Austria calls October election, far-right FPÖ could enter government
Austria's main parties agreed to hold an early parliamentary election on 15 October, Chancellor Christian Kern said yesterday (16 May), in a vote that might bring the far-right Freedom Party into government.Austria heads for snap election as coalition shatters
Austria's youthful foreign minister took over as leader of the country's main conservative party on Sunday (14 May) and called for a snap parliamentary election that centre-left Chancellor Christian Kern admitted he could not prevent.
Austria to reward companies for hiring locals
Austria's coalition government approved new employment rules today (21 February) to ensure workers already in the country are given priority for new jobs over potential immigrants from other EU states in an attempt to halt an increase in unemployment.
Austrian coalition deal includes ban on Muslim face veils
Austria plans to ban the Muslim face veil in public places, the centrist coalition government said today (30 January) as it announced a package of policies aimed at countering the growing appeal of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ).
Austrian chancellor launches bid to win back voters from far right
Austrian centre-left Chancellor Christian Kern yesterday (11 January) launched a bid to win back voters from the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), presenting a 10-year plan focused on creating jobs, boosting public investment and taxing multinationals.
Austrian defence minister eyes plan to overhaul EU migrant policy
Austria's defence minister has drafted a plan that would revamp the European Union's migrant policy by establishing a ceiling for migration and only permitting applications for asylum from outside the EU, Germany's Bild newspaper reported yesterday (5 January).
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.