site.btaAustrian President Tasks Freedom Party Leader Herbert Kickl to Form Government

Emerging from an hour-long conversation with Austrian Freedom Party (FPO) leader Herbert Kickl, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen made a brief statement to journalists, broadcast live on television.

After a brief overview of the domestic political developments that led to the reversal of his initial decision, the President also briefly touched upon the main topics of the conversation: the economic situation in the country, the geopolitical situation and - something the President emphasised - the freedom of the media.

Van der Bellen has tasked the head of the FPO with holding talks with the Austrian People's Party on forming a government, after explicitly asking him if he is ready to take on this responsible task and receiving an affirmative answer.

"This was not easy for me," Van der Bellen said in his televised address. "I will ensure that the principles and rules of our Constitution are respected and I will inform you if there is anything new," the President promised his countrymen.