Austrian parliament sacks Chancellor Sebastian Kurz as video sting crisis bites
It's the first successful no-confidence motion against an Austrian government since the country regained its independence in 1955
Vienna — Conservative Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz suffered the biggest setback of his meteoric career on Monday as parliament voted his government out of office in the wake of a video sting that blew up his coalition with the far right. Just two weeks ago the 32-year-old star among Europe's conservatives, known for his hard line on immigration, looked unassailable. But then the leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) was caught in a video sting, prompting him to step down and leading Kurz to call off their alliance. Kurz became the head of a caretaker government just days ago and hoped to use that position as a springboard to re-election, depicting himself as more of a victim of the current crisis than its enabler who brought the FPO into power. But the centre-left opposition said he shared the blame, and the FPO backed it. "Kurz gambled away his chances and, Mr Chancellor, you bear full responsibility," the Social Democrats' (SPO) deputy parliamentary faction head Joer...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.