| Author (Person) | Rocha, Frederico |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Cardiff EDC |
| Series Details | December 2017 |
| Publication Date | 18/12/2017 |
| Content Type | News |
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Further information: The Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) was asked to lead negotiations for government formation following a convincing victory at the legislative election. + Austrian Parliamentary Election, 2017: Results and Analysis The party's leader Sebastian Kurz reached an agreement with the right-wing Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) led by Heinz-Christian Strache for a governing coalition, sparking criticism both in Austria and abroad. Police estimated that about 5,500 people attended protests in Vienna against the coalition government. The deal agreed by the two parties vows to restrict illegal immigration and speed up deportation of refused asylum seekers, but also emphasises the state’s commitment to EU membership. Kurz’s chancellory would retain European affairs, and the foreign ministry post was filled with an independent Middle East expert nominated by the Freedom party. The FPÖ would still control key posts, including the interior and defence ministries. The coalition deal made Austria the only western European country with a far-right presence in government. Austria's President swore in on 18 December 2017 a coalition government to lead the country's cabinet, following a legislative election which took place in October 2017. |
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| Countries / Regions | Austria |
