Speaking for an hour, Mr. Strache denounced Mr. Van der Bellen as the epitome of a worn-out establishment whose “welcome culture” for migrants endangered Austria. If Mr. Hofer wins, it will be seen across Europe as a boost to right-wing, nationalist forces already wielding power and influence in neighboring Hungary and Poland. Advertisement Continue reading the main storyNeither of the mainstream parties gave a recommendation to voters ahead of Sunday’s election, but Mr. Kern made plain that he would vote for Mr. Van der Bellen. With all votes cast on Sunday counted, Norbert Hofer, 45, of the far-right Freedom Party, and his rival Alexander Van der Bellen, a 72-year-old economist, were locked in a virtual dead heat, with the race too close to call. Those who said they had voted for Mr. Hofer were more guarded about how they had voted, but agreed with Van der Bellen supporters that Sunday’s vote was historic.

Source: New York Times May 22, 2016 12:18 UTC