The leader of the Austrian People's Party (OeVP) is about to begin formal consultations with other groups in the country's parliament after getting the mandate on Monday from Alexander Van der Bellen (pictured left). The president held a one-hour meeting with former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and gave him the mandate following a victory in the September 29 elections.
The president expressed belief that the OeVP, which won 71 seats out of 183 with 37.5% of votes, could form a majority. According to Van der Bellen, "the climate catastrophe" must be among priority issues for the next cabinet alongside the independence of the judiciary and handling security. He also highlighted the weakening economy and the European affairs.
Kurz said his main task is to stimulate the economy, followed by tax relief and the fight against illegal migration. He also stressed the need for climate action and to boost security.
