The rise of the populist right in European elections continues as Herbert Kickl, the controversial leader of the populist-nationalist Freedom Party (FPÖ) appears on course to become Austria’s new chancellor after attempts to form a centrist coalition collapsed.

Ever since Herbert Kickl's far-right Freedom Party edged a win in September's legislative elections with 29% of the vote, Austria's centrist politicians have tried to block Kickl from becoming chancellor.

The United States is now supplying liquefied natural gas to Ukraine, a move implemented in the final days of the Biden Administration.

POSITION ON RUSSIA The FPO opposes European Union aid to Kyiv and sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, arguing they violate Austria's neutrality. The OVP-led government says Austria's military neutrality, which prevents it sending weapons ...

The Freedom Party and its leader, Herbert Kickl, have steadily built support by demonizing immigrants, while entering Austria’s political mainstream.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20 having criticized continued U.S. military aid for Ukraine's fight against Russia. This may shift the onus on support for Kyiv to fall on other allies, particularly in Europe, where a changing political leadership since his election could complicate matters.

During these “trying times and surprising developments,” the EU should “have trust” in the strength of Austria’s democratic institutions. He added that the rule of law, separation of powers, fundamental rights, and international law “are non-negotiable” in coalition talks.

Even so, according to polls, the FPÖ will do still better if snap elections are held. Kronen Zeitung, Austria’s largest-circulation tabloid, published a poll on January 5th that put the FPÖ at 37% of the vote, which would give them around 40% of the seats in parliament. That should focus the minds of the ÖVP ’s negotiators. ■

Since January 1, when the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine stopped, in Austria and Slovakia has sharply increased gas extraction from storage facilities, and Austria and the Czech Republic have resumed fuel imports through Germany.

American companies that continue to operate in the russian market have paid more than USD 1 billion in taxes to the russian budget.As Newsweek reports, citing

Following the recent expiry of a five-year deal, Russian gas is no longer being piped into the European Union through Ukraine. This development will bolster continental security in the long term, and may benefit Canada by nudging European states into importing more liquified natural gas (LNG) from North America.

Austrian lender to appeal against damages awarded to a company once owned by sanctioned oligarch Oleg Deripaska