Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen has tasked Herbert Kickl, leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), with forming a coalition government. This marks a significant shift as the FPO, which has previously been a junior partner, could lead the government for the first time. The FPO won 29% of the vote in September's elections but was initially sidelined. After failed coalition attempts by the conservative People's Party (OVP), Van der Bellen's decision to engage with Kickl represents a dramatic reversal, despite his past criticisms of the FPO. The coalition talks have no set timeframe, and failure could lead to a snap election. Teljes cikk (bbc.com europe)