Speaking alongside Kurz, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen added that Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl had expressed a willingness to stay. Meanwhile, outgoing European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker Tuesday weighed in on the scandal condemning Strache's behaviour. He said this week's elections for the European Parliament would be an opportunity for voters "to turn their backs on the threat from the right". Senior FPOe politicians, including new leader Norbert Hofer, have chimed in presenting the party as a victim of a power-grab by Kurz. When he took office, the 32-year-old Kurz was widely hailed on the European right as someone who could successfully tap into surging anti-immigration sentiment while projecting a polished demeanour.

Source: Bangkok Post May 21, 2019 15:56 UTC