Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has tasked Freedom Party (FPÖ) leader Herbert Kickl with forming a new government following the party’s electoral victory. Kickl expressed confidence in creating a viable coalition, which would mark the first time the FPÖ leads the government. This comes after failed negotiations with other parties, leading to the resignation of Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Demonstrators outside the presidential palace voiced concerns over a potential rightward shift in politics. Key issues for negotiation include economic policies and stances on asylum and foreign relations.