Overview

• Herbert Kickl, leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), has been tasked with forming a government after coalition talks among centrist parties failed.
• Protesters in Vienna, estimated at 50,000 by organizers, voiced concerns over potential threats to democracy and human rights under a far-right-led government.
• The FPÖ, originally founded by former Nazis, has previously held minor roles in government but has never led the Austrian chancellery.
• Critics fear Austria could follow Hungary's path under Viktor Orbán, where democratic institutions have been significantly weakened.
• Demonstrations against the FPÖ also took place in other cities, including Salzburg and Graz, highlighting widespread opposition to the party's rise to power.