Austria's Freedom Party, led by Herbert Kickl, has received a mandate to form a new government. If successful, this would mark the first government led by the far-right since World War II. The party secured 28.

VIENNA (AP) — 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.

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.

Austrian far-right leader Herbert Kickl and his prospective coalition partners say they have reached an agreement to bring down the budget deficit.

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

Austrian Far Right Gets Mandate to Try to Lead a Government for the First Time Since World War II VIENNA (AP ... s conservative Austrian People’s Party into second place.

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.