About: Heinz Christian Strache
Austrian far right invites Orban to form joint bloc
The leader of Austria's far-right party raised the prospect Monday (10 September) of forming a common bloc in the European Parliament with the party of nationalist Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán
Austria FM defends Putin wedding invitation
Austria's foreign minister defended on Monday (27 August) the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin at her wedding, denying she had been used by him after photos of the two dancing fueled questions about her neutrality.
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.
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.
Orban’s Vienna visit highlights Austria-Hungary comradeship
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said yesterday (30 January) that he aimed to ease east-west strains within the European Union, as his new right-wing government welcomed Hungary's incendiary Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Vienna.
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.
Austria wants to cut family benefits for children living abroad
The new Austrian government intends to cut family benefits for workers whose children live abroad. With this, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and his Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache started implementing their election campaign promises at the first meeting of their Council of Ministers. EURACTIV Germany reports.
EU bosses willing to give Austria’s new government a chance
European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said Tuesday (19 December) he had no bias against Austria's new government, which includes a far-right party, adding it would be judged on its actions. European Council counterpart Donald Tusk also withheld criticism.
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.
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.
In Prague, Europe’s far-right celebrates the Austrian coalition
Europe's far-right leaders including Marine Le Pen and Geert Wilders on Saturday (16 December) hailed as "historic" the government coalition deal struck by their Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) peer with the conservatives.
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).
New cabinet wants to make Austria European role model in digitisation
When it comes to digitisation, the new Austrian government of Sebastian Kurz and Heinz-Christian Strache wants to become a European role model. There is even unanimity over the basic framework. 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).
Austria’s far-right stakes claim to interior ministry ahead of coalition talks
Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) yesterday (18 October) named control of the interior ministry as its price for joining a future coalition government following its strong showing in a parliamentary election.
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.
Austrian Socialists on verge of breaking far-right coalition taboo
The Austrian Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) is on the verge of breaking a long-standing taboo on forming political alliances with the far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ). EURACTIV Germany reports.
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’s far-right FPÖ wants to be Putin-Trump go-between
Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) offered on Monday (19 December) to act as a go-between for US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin after signing a cooperation agreement with Putin's party.
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 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.
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.
From shock to delight: Member state reactions to Trump’s victory
Donald Trump's victory in the US elections took most of the EU countries by surprise. A majority of leaders appeared apprehensive of the consequences, with the exception of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, for whom Trump’s election is “great news” and a proof that “democracy is still alive”. This article will be updated as reactions keep arriving.