The leader of Austria’s Freedom Party received a mandate Monday to form a new government, which would be the first headed by the far right since World War II if he succeeds.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has asked the leader of the country's far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) to form a new ruling coalition in what could yield the first far-right-led government in Austria since World War Two.

Austria's far-right and conservative parties have previously shared power but always with the Freedom Party in a junior role.

The leader of the anti-immigration, pro-Russia Freedom Party has been given the chance to try to form a government after months of coalition talks among mainstream parties collapsed.

The Freedom Party was tasked with trying to form the nation’s first far-right-led government since World War II, adding to the trend of anti-immigrant and populist parties gaining ground across Europe.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen gave the green light to far-right Freedom ... If successful, it would mark Austria’s first far-right-led government since World War II. Kickl's party secured victory in Austria's parliamentary elections in ...

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, seen by many as the most pro-Russia leader of any EU country, hailed “an historic victory” for the Freedom Party after Austria's elections in September. Dutch right-wing leader Geert Wilders said his movement was “winning” in Europe.

Austrian Far Right Gets Mandate to Try to Lead a Government for the First Time Since World War II VIENNA (AP ... But in October, President Alexander Van der Bellen gave Nehammer the first ...

Austria's Freedom Party leader tasked with forming new government, potentially marking first far-right government since WWII.

VIENNA (AP) — The leader of Austria’s Freedom Party received a mandate Monday to try to form a new government, which would be the first headed by the far right since World War II if he succeeds.