Austria’s new president has called for a tolerant and diverse nation, free of ideological and racial hatred, in an inauguration speech on Thursday that embraced the ideal of a united Europe. Alexander Van der Bellen outlined a markedly different vision from that offered during campaigning by his rightwing rival Norbert Hofer, the populist he defeated last month after an unprecedented repeat vote. By contrast, the left-leaning Van der Bellen rejected nationalism on Thursday in favour of a “common Europe as a project of peace”. Van der Bellen’s inauguration was attended by legislators from all parties. Hofer, one of three presidents of the Austrian parliament, joined in the applause for the new president, breaking ranks with most of the other members of the FPÖ.

Source: The Guardian January 26, 2017 19:01 UTC