Austria poised to elect far-right president
- 8 years ago
Austrians are voting in a presidential run-off that could see the European Union elect its first far-right head of state.
Norbert Hofer, of the Freedom Party topped the first round vote in April, but fell well short of a majority – this time, however, the result is predicted to be much closer.
Gun enthusiast Hofer is up against former Green party leader Alexander Van der Bellen, who is running as an independent.
The two candidates offer a stark choice for voters after Austria’s two main centrist parties were knocked out earlier in the race – something which has not happened since the second world war.
Europe’s refugee and migrant crisis has dominated the campaign. Last year 90,000 people claimed asylum in the country.
From Vienna, Euronews Gergely Bártfai, said: Austrian presidential polls rarely make international headlines, but this election is totally different. Across Europe, the result is being closely watched to see if Austrians really will elect a right-wing popul
Norbert Hofer, of the Freedom Party topped the first round vote in April, but fell well short of a majority – this time, however, the result is predicted to be much closer.
Gun enthusiast Hofer is up against former Green party leader Alexander Van der Bellen, who is running as an independent.
The two candidates offer a stark choice for voters after Austria’s two main centrist parties were knocked out earlier in the race – something which has not happened since the second world war.
Europe’s refugee and migrant crisis has dominated the campaign. Last year 90,000 people claimed asylum in the country.
From Vienna, Euronews Gergely Bártfai, said: Austrian presidential polls rarely make international headlines, but this election is totally different. Across Europe, the result is being closely watched to see if Austrians really will elect a right-wing popul