Austria is on the verge of electing a 31-year-old. Does his age matter? | Stefan Stern
by Stefan Stern from on (#356VC)
World leaders seem to be getting younger. But whether youthful energy and verve can ever make up for lack of experience remains a vexed question
Grey power this is not. Sebastian Kurz, the 31-year-old leader of the conservative Austrian People's Party (i-VP), looks set to become the world's youngest head of government after Sunday's elections. The country of elegantly dressed, respectably middle-aged ladies and gentlemen has handed the keys of the Mercedes to a fresh-faced kid.
Kurz may look young but he is not a new figure on the Austrian political scene. Four years ago he was made foreign minister. Clearly it was time for a new challenge if his career trajectory was to be maintained.
Continue reading...