German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he is following the developments in Austria, with the possible chancellor of the far-right leader, Herbert Kickl, “with great concern”.
Germany holds elections on February 23 and its far-right party – the Alternative for Germany (AfD) – is expected to do well, although mainstream parties have refused to form a governing coalition. created by them.
In contrast, Austria's president has ordered the far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) to try to form a government after coming out on top in September's elections. Attempts to form a coalition without the far right have increased.
Scholz said at a campaign event in Ludwigsfelde, near Berlin, that all parties in Austria had a majority that did not want to work with the FPÖ.
“You have to make something of that. In this regard, this may also be a reminder that you should think carefully about what you do beforehand – so that you don't wake up with a hangover afterwards, like a large number of Austrians. certainly does now,” he said.
