- Opinion
- 16 Oct 17
Our own Leo can’t claim to be the youngest leader of an EU state anymore after a fresh-faced 31-year-old dubbed "wonderkid" just won power in Austria.
The ultra-conservative Austrian foreign minister Sebastian Kurz, who is the leader of the right-leaning People Party, is now set to be officially the youngest prime minister in the world, according to media reports.
His party fell short of a majority last night. They picked up approximately 30 percent of the votes, but political commentators reckon that forming a minority government should be a straightforward enough formality, probably with the far right party, Freedom Party.
“I would of course like to form a stable government. If that cannot be done then there are other options,” he told the media last night.
Once in power, Sebastian Kurz has vowed to cut benefits for all foreigners and will alarm the EU with his promise to keep Brussels out of his country’s affairs.
In his victory speech last night, Sebastian Kurz said: "I can only say, I am really overwhelmed. We campaigned for several months.
"We built a massive movement. We had a goal to be the first ones over the (finish) line on October 15.
"We have made the impossible possible. Thank you for all your work and for this historic success.
"Today is not about triumphing over others. But today is the day for real change in our country. Today has given us a strong mandate to change this country, and I thank you for that.
'We were handed a great responsibility from the voters, and we should all be aware of it. We should also be aware that a lot of people have put their hopes into our movement.
“I can promise you that I will fight with all my strength and all my commitment for change in this country, and I want to invite you all to come along this path together with me.”
Congratulations @sebastiankurz on Austrian election victory. Wishing the incoming Government success in its challenge ahead. pic.twitter.com/jm7HGBLLSL
— Charlie Flanagan (@CharlieFlanagan) October 15, 2017
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