Austria

Austria’s far-right party FPOe withdraws support from government coalition

The alleged video scandal puts the government in crisis, with Chancellor Kurz dismissing the far-right interior minister. Now the far-right wants to vote against their former partner. Can the ruling party survive the backlash?

Austria's Kurz faces no-confidence vote after scandal

Footage, published on Friday in German media, shows far-right party leader and Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache appearing to offer public contracts to a fake Russian backer in return for election campaign help.

Former F1 champion Niki Lauda dies at 70

Three-time Formula One world champion Niki Lauda, who won two of his titles after a horrific crash that left him with serious burns and went on to become a prominent figure in the aviation industry, has died. He was 70.

Austria announces snap election after far-right video scandal

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced the snap poll for September after a German newspaper published covertly filmed footage featuring his far-right coalition partners offering government contracts to purported Russian businesswoman.

Austrian president calls for September snap elections

The announcement came after a dramatic 48 hours in Austrian politics which saw far-right Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache resign in disgrace following explosive revelations in a hidden camera sting.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz calls for snap election

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz called for an early election after Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Stracher resigned following a video scandal.

Activists show solidarity with Muslim girls after Austria hijab ban

Ruling coalition made up of centre-right OVP and far-right FPO banned hijabs in schools, leading to an outcry by Muslims and civil rights campaigners.

Austria finds 'more ties' between Christchurch attacker and Identitarians

Austrian media reports say Christchurch terrorist had more interactions with Identitarian leader Martin Sellner than previously known, including alleged plans to have a 'coffee or beer'.

Austrian MPs approve headscarf ban in primary schools

The government says the patka head covering worn by Sikh boys or the Jewish kippa would not be affected. It admits the law is likely to be challenged at the constitutional court level.

EU rich-poor gap widens but still lowest in world

Scores of various countries within the European Union differ markedly, with some of those of the former communist states in Eastern Europe bringing down the average.

Turkey isn’t part of European elections, yet remains central to campaigns

Elections within the European Union institution will be held in a couple of weeks. Ankara’s membership remains a hot topic that is being exploited by the bloc’s far right.

Germany's troubles with an uncouth US ambassador

Donald Trump openly chastised America's closest allies in the 2017 NATO summit, asking them to "contribute their fair share" and his pointman in Berlin has reinforced the divisive narrative and now there are calls for him to be sent back home.