Austria's centrist parties may come to their senses and try a second round of coalition talks, or form a minority government. And even if Kickl does prevail, that doesn't mean he'll succeed. He'll soon realise governing is far harder than campaigning.

Thousands of people participated this Thursday in a demonstration in Vienna against the formation of a government between conservatives and far-right parties. Camera: MAX SLOVENCIK. [Restrictions: Spain,

The election result in the Austrian state of Burgenland on Sunday will have an impact far beyond the region, with Vienna and Austria’s federal government watching closely to what happens next.

France's Michelin Guide on Tuesday unveiled its first nationwide list of Austria's best restaurants since 2009, awarding two establishments with its top three-star ranking.

New Year's Eve event of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPOE) near Vienna with the participation of its chairman Herbert Kickl. Camera: MAX SLOVENCIK. FOOTAGE OF THE NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION OF THE CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC UNION PARTY (CDU) NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA.

Talks to form a coalition government led by Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPO) will begin on Friday, the party said on Thursday, as thousands protested in Vienna against the prospect of the country's first FPO-led government.

Though Vienna Blood primarily takes place in the titular Austrian city, the production has ventured all throughout Europe.

Mr Kickl’s political hero is Viktor Orban, Hungary’s autocratic leader. But unlike Hungarian voters who first voted Mr Orban in, few Austrian voters seem enamoured with Mr Kickl. Only 2% of FPÖ voters in September said they voted for the party because of Mr Kickl, while 45% said they did so because of its policies.

Even so, according to polls, the FPÖ will do still better if snap elections are held. Kronen Zeitung, Austria’s largest-circulation tabloid, published a poll on January 5th that put the FPÖ at 37% of the vote, which would give them around 40% of the seats in parliament. That should focus the minds of the ÖVP ’s negotiators. ■

ECB rate-setter also warns that inflation risks are on the rise and that a January rate cut is not a done deal.

Herbert Kickl, who now has good chances of becoming Austria's next chancellor, has radicalized the FPÖ in recent years. He seems to enjoy his role as the ultimate evil.

The Freedom Party and its leader, Herbert Kickl, have steadily built support by demonizing immigrants, while entering Austria’s political mainstream.