Austria’s far-right leader to invite centre right for coalition talks

Herbert Kickl's move could pave way for anti-immigration, pro-Kremlin Freedom party to govern country

The leader of Austria's anti-immigration, pro-Kremlin Freedom party has said he intends to invite the mainstream centre-right party for coalition talks, potentially paving the way for the far right to rule the country for the first time since the second world war.

Herbert Kickl, whose party won the most votes in September's election, was tasked with building a ruling coalition by the Austrian president on Monday following the collapse of talks between mainstream parties aimed at forming an alliance that would have blocked the Freedom party (FPO).