The new Austrian government will be led by Herbert Kickl, the head of the pro-Russian party.

The President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, has tasked the leader of the pro-Russian far-right party "Austrian Freedom Party" (FPÖ), Herbert Kickl, with forming a new government. This decision was made by the president following a conversation with the pro-Russian politician. Polish radio RMF24 reported this on Monday, January 6.

President Alexander Van der Bellen of Austria held a meeting lasting over an hour with the leader of the far-right "Austrian Freedom Party" (FPÖ), Herbert Kickl, after which he announced that he had entrusted the pro-Russian politician with the mission of forming a new government. The head of Austria explained this decision by stating that there were "new circumstances on the political scene in Austria."

"One of the most important constitutional tasks of the president is to ensure that the country has a functioning federal government. Previously, leaders of other political groups categorically excluded cooperation with Kickl. Karl Nehammer (former Chancellor of Austria and former leader of the "Austrian People's Party," – ed.) attempted to create a tripartite coalition with the "Social Democratic Party of Austria" (SPÖ) and the NEOS liberals. As is known, these negotiations failed. Nehammer announced his resignation, and the "Austrian People's Party" (ÖVP) withdrew from the opposition to Kickl. This is a new situation,” – quotes Alexander Van der Bellen as reported by Polska Agencja Prasowa.

According to RMF24, Herbert Kickl reportedly assured the president that he would be able to create a functioning government, which is why Alexander Van der Bellen entrusted him to form it together with the "Austrian People's Party" (ÖVP). If the negotiations between the parties are successful, it could mark the first time in history that a far-right politician holds the position of Chancellor in Austria.

Additionally, Herbert Kickl's party won the parliamentary elections on September 29, 2024, receiving the highest number of votes – 29.1%. Herbert Kickl himself is known for his strong anti-Ukrainian stance. The pro-Russian politician is attempting to close Austria's borders to refugees and opposes military aid for Ukraine. Furthermore, Herbert Kickl has called for the lifting of sanctions against Russia.

It is worth noting that on January 4, after the failure of negotiations to form a government coalition in Austria, Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced that he was resigning from his position as head of government and leader of the conservative ÖVP party.