Austria's far right party wins vote, struggles to form coalition

In Austria, the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) won the country's general elections, further boosting a right-wing surge that is sweeping across Europe. 

‌Projections based on 93 percent of counted votes confirmed the FPO's victorious result of 28.9 percent, with a margin of deviation of 0.5 percent. Second place goes to the People's Party (OVP) with 26.3 percent. 

‌It is the first time since World War II that a far-right party has been able to win a parliamentary election in Austria. 

‌Thanks to its anti-immigration and EU-critical stance, the FPO was able to double its votes compared to the last election. Some experts say another reason for the Freedom Party's success was the government falling short preventing the country's high inflation in past years.

‌Meanwhile, the FPO hopes to put its leader Herbert Kickl into the chancellor seat. However, the only other party open to a coalition - the People's Party (OVP) - previously said it would not accept Herbert Kickl as leader. All other parties refuse to govern together with the far-right.

‌"It is important to recognize that the voters made their voice heard today and that they want change," FPO Secretary General Christian Hafenecker told CGTN. "This is something the OVP must consider."

‌There were some disappointed supporters of Austria's currently governing OVP after ending up in second place. There was also disappointment among the Social Democrats who are set to see their worst results on record.

‌The Freedom Party victory makes Austria the latest EU country to register surging far-right support after gains in countries including the Netherlands, France and Germany.

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