At the time the alliance with the far right – then led by the late, SS-admiring Joerg Haider – sparked protests and ostracised Austria. The early parliamentary election was triggered after Kurz became OeVP leader in May and ended the bickering “grand coalition” with the Social Democrats. “I am feeling optimistic,” OeVP party volunteer Michael Brandstetter said. “The way Kurz goes about things is what has captured people’s minds.”As foreign minister, Kurz claims credit for closing the so-called western Balkan migrant route in 2016, earning him praise at home. Kurz and Strache also see eye-to-eye on lowering taxes, slashing red tape and keeping the EU more out of national affairs.

Source: The Guardian October 15, 2017 04:52 UTC