In an interview, political scientist Kathrin Stainer-Hemmerle discusses the recent collapse of coalition talks in Austria, which led to Herbert Kickl, leader of the Freedom Party (FPÖ), receiving a mandate for government formation. She highlights the deep mistrust towards political parties, the FPÖ’s restrictive migration policies, and concerns over democracy under Kickl’s potential leadership. Stainer-Hemmerle warns of challenges in negotiations, especially regarding foreign policy and the EU, as well as possible implications for Austria’s political landscape and civil society.

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