Says far right Freedom Party destroyed itself
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, withdrew from the governing coalition with ex Vice Chancellor Heinz- Christina Strache after a video surfaced where Strache was secretly trying to get funneled money to his campaign from a woman believed to be a wealthy niece of a Russian oligarch. There will be a new election in September.
The video was a few months before the election that pushed Strache into power of the Freedom Party which aligned with Kurz's People Party.
Kurz has been forced to defend his coalition choice with the far-right Freedom Party despite their racist undertones, reported ties to Russia, including a plan for Russia to take control of Austria's largest tabloid. Kurz said that despite the problems with the coaliation, they have been able to balance the budget and pushed through a tax overhaul.
He now says that:
- he expects other Freedom Party ministers to resign
- He proposes to dismiss interior minister Kickl
- He looks to appoint a caretaker government with senior civil servants.
The controversy also comes ahead of the European elections at the end of the week where the far right is looking to take more control. Will the controversy sway voters away from their candidates and help to break the EU from within?
UPDATE: All the ministers from the far-right Freedom Party are to leave the government (according to Austiran news agency APA. )
