Kurz on track to become Europe’s youngest leader +++ Tyrol drops plans for Olympic bid

16. November 2017, 02:00

Kurz on track to become Europe’s youngest leader

Austria's political parties are assessing their options after yesterday's general election. The People's Party won 31 percent, an outcome which means ÖVP leader Sebastian Kurz is expected to become Chancellor - and the world's youngest national leader. Kurz has said his top priority is to form a viable coalition government - and that he's willing to speak to all political parties in parliament: "Voters have handed us a great responsibility, many people put big hopes in our movement. I promise I'll do all in my power to fight for change, and I invite you to join me." The Social Democrats won 26.9 percent, just ahead of the Freedom Party with 26 percent. The margin between the two could change once postal ballots have been counted. A final election result is expected on Thursday. The NEOs will return to parliament with 5 percent voter support, but the Greens fell just short of the 4 percent threshold needed to enter parliament. However, the former Green party MP Peter Pilz won 4.3 percent with his Liste Pilz.

Tyrol drops plans for Olympic bid

Officials in Tyrol say they are dropping plans to bid for the Winter Olympics in 2026 - after a promise to organize low-cost and sustainable games in Innsbruck failed to convince the city's residents. In a referendum, over 53 percent of Tyrolians said “no” to hosting the games.

Iraqi forces move on Kurdish-held sites

Iraqi forces say they've captured the main military base and airport in Kirkuk from Kurdish fighters, as the government attempts to regain control of the disputed city. The two sides exchanged artillery fire, after pro-government forces began what they called a "major operation" to restore security in Kirkuk. Tension has been building since Kurds in northern Iraq voted overwhelmingly for independence in a controversial referendum last month.

Catalonia fails to clarify independence

The Spanish government says the Catalan president has not clarified whether the region declared independence last week. The authorities in Madrid said Carles Puigdemont must revoke any such declaration by Thursday morning, or they will begin steps towards implementing a constitutional clause that could allow the central government to rule the region directly.

The weather

Mild and sunny conditions across Austria, with top temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees.

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