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.

New evidence suggests the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 aircraft that crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on December 25, killing 38 people, may have been the target of an external attack.

Photos released by Azerbaijani media outlet AnewZ reveal shrapnel marks on the plane’s fuselage, raising suspicions of a mid-air assault. The aircraft, en route from Baku to Grozny, Russia, was diverted before crashing in Kazakhstan. An international investigation into the crash’s causes is ongoing, involving experts from Brazil, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.

International Investigation Underway

The Brazilian Air Force, responsible for analyzing the plane’s black box data, confirmed that nine foreign investigators are collaborating with its experts at the Air Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center in Brasília. Analysis of the cockpit voice and flight data recorders is expected to shed light on the crash’s final moments.

Azerbaijan Accuses Russia

Azerbaijan’s President, Ilham Aliyev, alleged the aircraft was struck by fire from the ground over Russia, possibly rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare. He criticized Moscow for attempting to “hush up” the incident and expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations provided by Russian officials.

Aliyev’s accusations gained traction following reports that the crash coincided with Russian air defense operations near Grozny, allegedly targeting a Ukrainian drone strike.

Putin Apologizes, Stops Short of Admitting Responsibility

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued an apology to Aliyev, describing the crash as a “tragic incident.” However, the Kremlin has not acknowledged responsibility. Officials confirmed that air defense systems were active near Grozny at the time, reportedly to counter a Ukrainian drone attack.

Mounting Allegations

Claims that the aircraft was shot down by Russian air defenses have fueled tensions. The Kremlin’s admission of nearby military activity has done little to quell speculation, as investigators seek to determine whether shrapnel found on the plane is consistent with missile strikes or other external factors.

The crash adds strain to already fraught relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, with both countries demanding accountability.

As investigators analyze the black box data, the international aviation community watches closely, awaiting clarity on the incident’s cause. Meanwhile, the tragedy remains a poignant reminder of the volatility in regions affected by ongoing geopolitical tensions.