Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has announced he will meet with Herbert Kickl, leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), on Monday, following another failed attempt by Chancellor Karl Nehammer to form a new government. The move comes after months of complex coalition negotiations that have left Austria in political uncertainty.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, President Van der Bellen noted that discussions about forming a government without the FPÖ had stalled, with voices within the ruling conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) softening their opposition to cooperation with Kickl’s party. This shift in tone, the president suggested, could open a new path for government formation.

Austria has been grappling with coalition talks for several months. Following national elections in September, the Freedom Party emerged as the second-largest political force with 29.2% of the vote, behind the ÖVP. However, efforts to form a three-party coalition involving the ÖVP, the liberal Neos, and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPÖ) have faltered.

On Saturday, Chancellor Nehammer announced he would resign after coalition talks once again broke down. This announcement came a day after the liberal Neos party unexpectedly withdrew from negotiations, leaving the ÖVP and SPÖ to continue their discussions in an attempt to form a viable coalition.

In light of the failure, President Van der Bellen confirmed that Nehammer would remain in office until a new interim leader is appointed. The president stated that this transition would take place over the next week.

Christian Stocker, the General Secretary of the ÖVP, has been nominated as a potential successor to Nehammer. Stocker, a lawyer and member of Austria’s Parliament, expressed his readiness to enter into talks with the FPÖ, stating, “I welcome the fact that the President is inviting Herbert Kickl, the leader of the strongest party, and is expected to entrust him with the formation of a government. We are ready for talks with the FPÖ.”

Stocker, who has served as general secretary since 2022, is known for his calm and composed approach in crisis situations. His media presence defending controversial decisions has made him a prominent figure within the People’s Party.

As Austria’s political deadlock continues, all eyes will be on the upcoming discussions between Van der Bellen and Kickl, which could reshape the country’s political landscape.

President Gabriel Boric of Chile has become the first Latin American leader to visit the South Pole, marking a significant milestone for the region. The two-day expedition, named Operation Pole Star III, underscores Chile’s commitment to scientific research and environmental monitoring in Antarctica, according to the Chilean government.

The journey began in Santiago, with Boric accompanied by scientists, military commanders, and government officials. After stopping in Punta Arenas, a southern Chilean city, the delegation proceeded to the U.S.-operated Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, Chilean broadcaster Televisión Nacional de Chile (TVN) reported.

Expanding Antarctic Research

Chile, one of seven countries with territorial claims in Antarctica, is a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty, which mandates the use of the continent for peaceful and scientific purposes only. While the country has traditionally focused its research in Antarctica’s northern regions, the Boric administration aims to extend activities to the continent’s western areas.

“This is a milestone for us. It is the first time a Chilean and Latin American president has visited the South Pole,” Boric said during the trip, as reported by TVN.

A Commitment to Science and Sovereignty

President Boric emphasized that the visit symbolizes Chile’s dedication to preserving Antarctica as a “continent of science and peace.” He also highlighted its importance in reinforcing Chile’s sovereignty claims in the region.

“From here, everything is north. There are only 12 flags flying, one of which is Chile’s. That is a source of pride,” Boric said, referring to the nations that signed the original Antarctic Treaty, including Argentina, Australia, and the United States.

Boric shared a video on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, from the South Pole, wearing a red jacket, black hat, and sunglasses. “Good morning from Chilean Antarctica, where everything begins,” he wrote.

Environmental Focus

The visit was part of Chile’s broader effort to enhance environmental monitoring of pollutants in Antarctica, a key component of Operation Pole Star III. Scientists accompanying the president aim to gather data to support ongoing research into the impacts of climate change and human activity on the fragile ecosystem.

Chile’s government hopes the trip will further bolster the country’s role in Antarctic research while fostering international collaboration under the principles of the Antarctic Treaty.

President Boric’s historic visit not only cements Chile’s place in Antarctic exploration but also reaffirms the continent’s unique status as a global hub for scientific inquiry and peaceful cooperation.