Far Right Wins First Austrian Vote With Top Job Uncertain
- Freedom Party’s Kickl to seek coalition partners for majority
- Chancellor’s party comes in second, Socialists trail
Herbert Kickl, center, celebrates with supporters at the party's election night rally following exit polls in Vienna, Austria on Sept. 29.
Photographer: Roland Schlager/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
The leader of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party said he’ll start negotiations on a new government coalition after a historic victory — yet one that may still not grant Herbert Kickl the top job.
His group is set to get about 29% of votes, according to a projection by state broadcaster ORF based on almost two-thirds of ballots counted. The People’s Party of Chancellor Karl Nehammer is estimated to have received 26% with the Social Democrats at 21%.