Austria's Chancellor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-chancellor-sebastian-kurz-announces-new-elections-over-corruption-scandal-219715">Sebastian Kurz</a> is to face a no-confidence vote from MPs on Monday which could see him removed from office over the corruption scandal which brought down his coalition government.

On Sunday Kurz celebrated a big win for his conservative People's Party (OeVP) in the European elections, in which it is projected to have won 34.5 per cent of the vote and two extra European parliament seats, according to preliminary results.

But he barely will have had time to savour the victory before facing the special sitting of parliament, which begins at 10:00 am (0800 GMT). The actual vote on the no-confidence motion is expected at any time from early afternoon onwards.

If the no-confidence motion succeeds Kurz will be the first chancellor in post-war Austrian history to be removed in this fashion.

It comes in the wake of the so-called "Ibiza-gate" scandal, which saw far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) leader and Vice-Chancellor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-far-right-leader-resigns-over-ibiza-affair-219615">Heinz-Christian Strache</a> resign from both posts after he was caught appearing to offer public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer.

That led to Kurz ending his coalition with the FPOe and calling early elections for the autumn, but the opposition says Kurz must also take responsibility for the scandal.

Far-right setback&nbsp;

The main opposition Social Democrats (SPOe) have already said they will support the motion but the FPOe will also have to vote for it in order for it to succeed.

The FPOe leadership has sharpened its rhetoric against Kurz in recent days but are only expected to make a decision on the vote shortly before the parliamentary sitting starts.

The no-confidence vote is being supported by the environmentalist Jetzt party but the liberal NEOS party is voting against, saying it wants to avoid further instability.

The FPOe appears to have suffered a setback in Sunday's vote for their role in the "Ibiza-gate" scandal, falling from 19.7 per cent to 17.5, losing one of their four MEPs.

The scandal was unleashed by the publication on May 17 of hidden-camera recordings filmed in a luxury villa on the holiday island of Ibiza.

Amid a welter of embarrassing comments, Strache also appeared to allude to a scheme channelling political donations through FPOe-linked foundations in order to avoid legal scrutiny.

After Strache’s resignation, Kurz also sacked FPOe interior minister Herbert Kickl, arguing he could not oversee any possible investigation into his own party's wrongdoing.

FPOe ministers responded by walking out of the government en masse, leading to Kurz appointing experts to take their place in an interim government.

Paragon of stability&nbsp;

When he first became chancellor in late 2017, the 32-year-old Kurz was widely hailed on the European right as someone who could successfully tap into surging anti-immigration sentiment while projecting a polished demeanour.

Since the crisis broke he has projected himself as a paragon of stability in a turbulent political climate, and analysts say this will be a key message for him to use whatever the result of Monday's vote.

But even before the current crisis, Kurz found himself constantly having to bat away criticism for the string of controversies around extremist sympathies among FPOe members.

The opposition has placed the blame for the current crisis squarely at the feet of Kurz himself for having invited the far-right into government in the first place, saying he had ample warning of the unsuitability of the FPOe for the government.

Kurz has trod a fine line in his statements since the crisis broke, admitting he found the FPOe's antics "hard to swallow" but insisting he had no other choice.

"There was no other party which was ready to form a coalition with us," he told journalists on Thursday when asked whether he regretted the coalition.

Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz is to face a no-confidence vote from MPs on Monday which could see him removed from office over the corruption scandal which brought down his coalition government.

Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz is to face a no-confidence vote from MPs on Monday which could see him removed from office over the corruption scandal which brought down his coalition government. On Sunday Kurz celebrated a big win for his conservative People's Party (OeVP) in the European elections, in which it is projected to have won 34.5 per cent of the vote and two extra European parliament seats, according to preliminary results. But he barely will have had time to savour the victory before facing the special sitting of parliament, which begins at 10:00 am (0800 GMT). The actual vote on the no-confidence motion is expected at any time from early afternoon onwards. If the no-confidence motion succeeds Kurz will be the first chancellor in post-war Austrian history to be removed in this fashion. It comes in the wake of the so-called "Ibiza-gate" scandal, which saw far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) leader and Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache resign from both posts after he was caught appearing to offer public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer. That led to Kurz ending his coalition with the FPOe and calling early elections for the autumn, but the opposition says Kurz must also take responsibility for the scandal. Far-right setback The main opposition Social Democrats (SPOe) have already said they will support the motion but the FPOe will also have to vote for it in order for it to succeed. The FPOe leadership has sharpened its rhetoric against Kurz in recent days but are only expected to make a decision on the vote shortly before the parliamentary sitting starts. The no-confidence vote is being supported by the environmentalist Jetzt party but the liberal NEOS party is voting against, saying it wants to avoid further instability. The FPOe appears to have suffered a setback in Sunday's vote for their role in the "Ibiza-gate" scandal, falling from 19.7 per cent to 17.5, losing one of their four MEPs. The scandal was unleashed by the publication on May 17 of hidden-camera recordings filmed in a luxury villa on the holiday island of Ibiza. Amid a welter of embarrassing comments, Strache also appeared to allude to a scheme channelling political donations through FPOe-linked foundations in order to avoid legal scrutiny. After Strache’s resignation, Kurz also sacked FPOe interior minister Herbert Kickl, arguing he could not oversee any possible investigation into his own party's wrongdoing. FPOe ministers responded by walking out of the government en masse, leading to Kurz appointing experts to take their place in an interim government. Paragon of stability When he first became chancellor in late 2017, the 32-year-old Kurz was widely hailed on the European right as someone who could successfully tap into surging anti-immigration sentiment while projecting a polished demeanour. Since the crisis broke he has projected himself as a paragon of stability in a turbulent political climate, and analysts say this will be a key message for him to use whatever the result of Monday's vote. But even before the current crisis, Kurz found himself constantly having to bat away criticism for the string of controversies around extremist sympathies among FPOe members. The opposition has placed the blame for the current crisis squarely at the feet of Kurz himself for having invited the far-right into government in the first place, saying he had ample warning of the unsuitability of the FPOe for the government. Kurz has trod a fine line in his statements since the crisis broke, admitting he found the FPOe's antics "hard to swallow" but insisting he had no other choice. "There was no other party which was ready to form a coalition with us," he told journalists on Thursday when asked whether he regretted the coalition.

Austrian chancellor set for no-confidence showdown

All remaining ministers from Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) are to resign from the government after their party colleague Herbert Kickl was fired as interior minister, a party spokesman said Monday.

The ministers would make good on their threat to resign en masse if Kickl was forced out, the spokesman confirmed to the Austrian APA agency.

It comes shortly after Kickl was fired by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in order not to prejudice any possible enquiry into the corruption scandal which forced the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache and the collapse of the country's coalition government.

Resignation of Strache over the scandal also caused the collapse of the coalition government and the calling of early elections.

Kurz said that Kickl should have resigned in order to ensure a "complete, transparent investigation" into the affair but that he had refused to do so.

Therefore Kurz said he had "to propose the interior minister's firing to the president".

The rest of the FPOe's ministers have threatened to resign in the event of Kickl's being forced out.

"I assume that this will be the case," Kurz said, and added that if this happens, "until the election... the vacant posts will be filled by experts or senior civil servants".

All remaining ministers from Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) are to resign from the government after their party colleague Herbert Kickl was fired as interior minister, a party spokesman said Monday.

All remaining ministers from Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) are to resign from the government after their party colleague Herbert Kickl was fired as interior minister, a party spokesman said Monday. The ministers would make good on their threat to resign en masse if Kickl was forced out, the spokesman confirmed to the Austrian APA agency. It comes shortly after Kickl was fired by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in order not to prejudice any possible enquiry into the corruption scandal which forced the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache and the collapse of the country's coalition government. Resignation of Strache over the scandal also caused the collapse of the coalition government and the calling of early elections. Kurz said that Kickl should have resigned in order to ensure a "complete, transparent investigation" into the affair but that he had refused to do so. Therefore Kurz said he had "to propose the interior minister's firing to the president". The rest of the FPOe's ministers have threatened to resign in the event of Kickl's being forced out. "I assume that this will be the case," Kurz said, and added that if this happens, "until the election... the vacant posts will be filled by experts or senior civil servants".

All Austrian far-right ministers to resign: Party spokesman

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Saturday for Europe to push back against far-right parties, saying populist movements wanted to destroy core European values such as fighting corruption and protecting minorities.

Merkel made the remarks when asked about a scandal engulfing Austria's far-right Freedom Party, whose leader Heinz-Christian Strache quit on Saturday as government vice-chancellor after he was videoed offering state contracts in exchange for political support.

"We're having to deal with populist movements that in many areas are contemptuous of these values, who want to destroy the Europe of our values. We have to stand up to this decisively," said Merkel, who has kept a low-profile during campaigning for next week's EU parliamentary election.

"What falls under this is that minorities are not protected, that basic human rights are called into question and that corruption plays a role in politics," she added after meeting Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in Zagreb.

Merkel has left the most vocal election campaigning to fellow countryman Manfred Weber, the top conservative candidate in the May 23-26 election.

Weber, also speaking in Zagreb, said the Austrian scandal vindicated his intention not to rely on votes from far-right parties in his bid for EU commission president.

"The far right and populists are ready to sell their patriotism and the values of their country for their gains", he said, referring to the affair.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Saturday for Europe to push back against far-right parties, saying populist movements wanted to destroy core European values such as fighting corruption and protecting minorities.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Saturday for Europe to push back against far-right parties, saying populist movements wanted to destroy core European values such as fighting corruption and protecting minorities. Merkel made the remarks when asked about a scandal engulfing Austria's far-right Freedom Party, whose leader Heinz-Christian Strache quit on Saturday as government vice-chancellor after he was videoed offering state contracts in exchange for political support. "We're having to deal with populist movements that in many areas are contemptuous of these values, who want to destroy the Europe of our values. We have to stand up to this decisively," said Merkel, who has kept a low-profile during campaigning for next week's EU parliamentary election. "What falls under this is that minorities are not protected, that basic human rights are called into question and that corruption plays a role in politics," she added after meeting Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in Zagreb. Merkel has left the most vocal election campaigning to fellow countryman Manfred Weber, the top conservative candidate in the May 23-26 election. Weber, also speaking in Zagreb, said the Austrian scandal vindicated his intention not to rely on votes from far-right parties in his bid for EU commission president. "The far right and populists are ready to sell their patriotism and the values of their country for their gains", he said, referring to the affair.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel calls for Europe to stand up against far-right parties

A Russian senator on Sunday said the hidden-camera recordings that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-president-calls-for-september-snap-elections-219898">toppled the Austrian government </a>did not prove any link to Russia and Moscow did not want to spoil its relations with Vienna.

Far-right Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache resigned in disgrace on Saturday following explosive revelations in a hidden camera sting.

Media reports emerged Friday alleging that Strache promised public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer he met on the Spanish island of Ibiza a few months before 2017's parliamentary elections in Austria.

"You cannot draw a Russian link to this clearly ugly incident based on the existing recording," Oleg Morozov, a member of the foreign affairs committee of Russia's upper house and a ruling party lawmaker, told RIA Novosti state news agency.

"This could be a staged provocation. Or some incident to do with corruption that no state may be behind at all," he suggested.&nbsp;

"Good relations with Austria are too dear to Russia to squander them on such movie-style thrillers," he added.

An expert at the Institute of Europe of Russia's Academy of Sciences, Alexander Kamkin, told RIA Novosti that the situation could be described as "an information terror attack".

"Once again there is the same hysteria about the hand of Moscow -- a standard scare story," Kamkin said. "We are dealing with a well-staged provocation, a trap, that Strache, a fairly experienced politician, fell into."

Russian state television broadcast the video footage and showed street protests against Strache in Vienna.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen at his residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on Wednesday.

The Russian leader met Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz for talks in Saint Petersburg in October last year.

Strache's Freedom Party (FPOe) is seen as close to Russia and has a cooperation agreement with the ruling United Russia party that backs Putin.

Putin attending the wedding of Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl -- nominated by the FPOe -- last summer. 
&nbsp;

A Russian senator on Sunday said the hidden-camera recordings that toppled the Austrian government did not prove any link to Russia and Moscow did not want to spoil its relations with Vienna.

A Russian senator on Sunday said the hidden-camera recordings that toppled the Austrian government did not prove any link to Russia and Moscow did not want to spoil its relations with Vienna. Far-right Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache resigned in disgrace on Saturday following explosive revelations in a hidden camera sting. Media reports emerged Friday alleging that Strache promised public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer he met on the Spanish island of Ibiza a few months before 2017's parliamentary elections in Austria. "You cannot draw a Russian link to this clearly ugly incident based on the existing recording," Oleg Morozov, a member of the foreign affairs committee of Russia's upper house and a ruling party lawmaker, told RIA Novosti state news agency. "This could be a staged provocation. Or some incident to do with corruption that no state may be behind at all," he suggested. "Good relations with Austria are too dear to Russia to squander them on such movie-style thrillers," he added. An expert at the Institute of Europe of Russia's Academy of Sciences, Alexander Kamkin, told RIA Novosti that the situation could be described as "an information terror attack". "Once again there is the same hysteria about the hand of Moscow -- a standard scare story," Kamkin said. "We are dealing with a well-staged provocation, a trap, that Strache, a fairly experienced politician, fell into." Russian state television broadcast the video footage and showed street protests against Strache in Vienna. Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen at his residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on Wednesday. The Russian leader met Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz for talks in Saint Petersburg in October last year. Strache's Freedom Party (FPOe) is seen as close to Russia and has a cooperation agreement with the ruling United Russia party that backs Putin. Putin attending the wedding of Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl -- nominated by the FPOe -- last summer.

'You can't draw Russia link' to Austria sting: Russian senator

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Saturday announced fresh elections after his coalition collapsed following a video sting that forced his deputy, far-right leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-far-right-leader-resigns-over-ibiza-affair-219615">Heinz-Christian Strache, to resign</a>.

"I have suggested to the president of the republic that new elections be carried out, at the earliest possible date," said Kurz.

Media reports emerged on Friday alleging that Strache promised public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer he met on the Spanish island of Ibiza a few months before 2017's parliamentary elections in Austria.

"After yesterday's video, I must say quite honestly: Enough is enough," said Kurz.

"The serious part of this (video) was the attitude towards abuse of power, towards dealing with taxpayers' money, towards the media in this country," Kurz said, adding that he had been personally insulted in the footage.

The latest scandal appears to have been the last straw after a string of controversies over extremist sympathies among officials from Strache's Freedom Party (FPOe).

"Even if I didn't express myself publicly at the time, there were many situations that I found difficult to swallow," Kurz said of his time in government with the FPOe since December 2017.

He said that the FPOe was damaging Austria's reputation abroad and that meetings with FPOe representatives on Saturday had left him with the impression that it was not prepared to make the changes necessary to stay in government.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Saturday announced fresh elections after his coalition collapsed following a video sting that forced his deputy, far-right leader Heinz-Christian Strache, to resign.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Saturday announced fresh elections after his coalition collapsed following a video sting that forced his deputy, far-right leader Heinz-Christian Strache, to resign. "I have suggested to the president of the republic that new elections be carried out, at the earliest possible date," said Kurz. Media reports emerged on Friday alleging that Strache promised public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer he met on the Spanish island of Ibiza a few months before 2017's parliamentary elections in Austria. "After yesterday's video, I must say quite honestly: Enough is enough," said Kurz. "The serious part of this (video) was the attitude towards abuse of power, towards dealing with taxpayers' money, towards the media in this country," Kurz said, adding that he had been personally insulted in the footage. The latest scandal appears to have been the last straw after a string of controversies over extremist sympathies among officials from Strache's Freedom Party (FPOe). "Even if I didn't express myself publicly at the time, there were many situations that I found difficult to swallow," Kurz said of his time in government with the FPOe since December 2017. He said that the FPOe was damaging Austria's reputation abroad and that meetings with FPOe representatives on Saturday had left him with the impression that it was not prepared to make the changes necessary to stay in government.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announces new elections over corruption scandal

Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen on Sunday called for fresh elections in September after a corruption scandal embroiling the far-right brought down the coalition government in spectacular fashion.

Just days before key EU elections, Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache was forced to resign in disgrace Saturday following explosive revelations from a hidden camera sting.

Conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz -- whose 18-month coalition with the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) had been held up as a European model -- reacted by pulling the plug on their union.

"My preference is for early elections in September, if possible the beginning of September," Van der Bellen told journalists on Sunday after holding talks with Kurz.

The president will hold further talks with other party leaders over the coming weeks in order to fix a date.

The dramatic developments followed the publication by two German newspapers on Friday of footage from a sophisticated hidden-camera sting months before Austria's last parliamentary elections in 2017.

In the tapes -- of unknown provenance -- Strache is seen openly discussing the possibility of awarding public contracts in return for campaign help for the FPOe from a woman posing as the niece of a Russian oligarch.

The woman says she specifically wants to gain control of the country's largest-circulation tabloid, the Kronen Zeitung.

Strache is seen suggesting that new owners could make staff changes and use the paper to help his party in its election campaign.

'Enough is enough'

Kurz said Saturday the latest revelations were the final straw after a string of FPOe-related scandals dogging the government.

"Enough is enough," the chancellor told a press conference in Vienna.

Strache for his part insisted in his emotional resignation statement that he had been the victim of a "targeted political attack" but also described his own actions as "stupid" and "irresponsible".

The FPOe was also due to meet on Sunday to confirm leadership changes after Strache's exit.

Neither Van der Bellen nor Kurz commented on who would replace the vice-chancellor in the run-up to elections and whether top FPOe politicians -- including controversial Interior Minister Herbert Kickl -- would be allowed to stay in post.

The damning revelations, which saw protesters take to the streets on Vienna on Saturday, broke as the campaign for European Parliament elections on May 23-26 was nearing its climax.

They risk dealing a blow to a far-right populist alliance marshalled by Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini and in which the FPOe plays a key part.

The FPOe's lead MEP candidate Harald Vilimsky had been due to attend a rally organised by Salvini in Milan on Saturday, but cancelled the trip because of the scandal.

Politicians 'for sale'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel reacted to the news out of Austria by warning of the dangers of far-right politicians "for sale", who wanted to "destroy the Europe of our values".

The tapes contained a litany of other embarrassing material for Strache, and analysts predicted setbacks for the FPOe from its current position in the polls.

As well as repeating unsubstantiated rumours about Kurz, Strache also hinted at ways political donations could escape legal scrutiny by going to a foundation linked to the FPOe.

Elsewhere in the recordings, he discussed the possible part-privatisation of public broadcaster ORF and expressed admiration for the media landscape in neighbouring Hungary, where press plurality has been severely curtailed under nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Observers said the dramatic events of the past two days were almost a re-run of the last time that the centre-right People's Party (OeVP) and FPOe went into coalition, in 2000.

Then as now, after only two years the OeVP chancellor -- in that case Wolfgang Schuessel -- felt compelled to call snap elections due to strife with his FPOe coalition partner.

In 2002, the OeVP emerged strengthened from the elections but it remains to be see if Kurz, like Schuessel before him, can avoid damage from the fallout.

Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen on Sunday called for fresh elections in September after a corruption scandal embroiling the far-right brought down the coalition government in spectacular fashion.

Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen on Sunday called for fresh elections in September after a corruption scandal embroiling the far-right brought down the coalition government in spectacular fashion. Just days before key EU elections, Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache was forced to resign in disgrace Saturday following explosive revelations from a hidden camera sting. Conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz -- whose 18-month coalition with the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) had been held up as a European model -- reacted by pulling the plug on their union. "My preference is for early elections in September, if possible the beginning of September," Van der Bellen told journalists on Sunday after holding talks with Kurz. The president will hold further talks with other party leaders over the coming weeks in order to fix a date. The dramatic developments followed the publication by two German newspapers on Friday of footage from a sophisticated hidden-camera sting months before Austria's last parliamentary elections in 2017. In the tapes -- of unknown provenance -- Strache is seen openly discussing the possibility of awarding public contracts in return for campaign help for the FPOe from a woman posing as the niece of a Russian oligarch. The woman says she specifically wants to gain control of the country's largest-circulation tabloid, the Kronen Zeitung. Strache is seen suggesting that new owners could make staff changes and use the paper to help his party in its election campaign. 'Enough is enough' Kurz said Saturday the latest revelations were the final straw after a string of FPOe-related scandals dogging the government. "Enough is enough," the chancellor told a press conference in Vienna. Strache for his part insisted in his emotional resignation statement that he had been the victim of a "targeted political attack" but also described his own actions as "stupid" and "irresponsible". The FPOe was also due to meet on Sunday to confirm leadership changes after Strache's exit. Neither Van der Bellen nor Kurz commented on who would replace the vice-chancellor in the run-up to elections and whether top FPOe politicians -- including controversial Interior Minister Herbert Kickl -- would be allowed to stay in post. The damning revelations, which saw protesters take to the streets on Vienna on Saturday, broke as the campaign for European Parliament elections on May 23-26 was nearing its climax. They risk dealing a blow to a far-right populist alliance marshalled by Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini and in which the FPOe plays a key part. The FPOe's lead MEP candidate Harald Vilimsky had been due to attend a rally organised by Salvini in Milan on Saturday, but cancelled the trip because of the scandal. Politicians 'for sale' German Chancellor Angela Merkel reacted to the news out of Austria by warning of the dangers of far-right politicians "for sale", who wanted to "destroy the Europe of our values". The tapes contained a litany of other embarrassing material for Strache, and analysts predicted setbacks for the FPOe from its current position in the polls. As well as repeating unsubstantiated rumours about Kurz, Strache also hinted at ways political donations could escape legal scrutiny by going to a foundation linked to the FPOe. Elsewhere in the recordings, he discussed the possible part-privatisation of public broadcaster ORF and expressed admiration for the media landscape in neighbouring Hungary, where press plurality has been severely curtailed under nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Observers said the dramatic events of the past two days were almost a re-run of the last time that the centre-right People's Party (OeVP) and FPOe went into coalition, in 2000. Then as now, after only two years the OeVP chancellor -- in that case Wolfgang Schuessel -- felt compelled to call snap elections due to strife with his FPOe coalition partner. In 2002, the OeVP emerged strengthened from the elections but it remains to be see if Kurz, like Schuessel before him, can avoid damage from the fallout.

Austrian president calls for September snap elections

Austrian Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache, a key figure of the European far-right, resigned Saturday after e<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-government-teeters-after-video-of-far-right-leader-219573">xplosive revelations from a hidden camera sting</a>, just days before key EU elections.&nbsp;

"I tendered my resignation as vice-chancellor of Austria to Chancellor Kurz, and he accepted this decision," an emotional Strache said in a televised statement.

Media reports emerged on Friday alleging that Strache promised public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer he met in a luxury villa on the island of Ibiza a few months before 2017's parliamentary elections in Austria.

On Saturday Strache insisted he was the "victim of a targeted political attack" which had used illegal means, but that he was leaving in order to avoid further damage to the government.

Germany's Der Spiegel and Sueddeutsche Zeitung published hidden-camera recordings of the sophisticated sting operation.

In the recordings, Strache and his party's group leader in parliament, Johann Gudenus are seen discussing with a woman purporting to be the niece of a Russian oligarch how she can invest in Austria.

She says she specifically wants to gain control of the country's largest-circulation tabloid, the Krone Zeitung.

Strache is seen suggesting that new owners could make staff changes at the Krone and use the paper to help his Freedom Party (FPOe) in its election campaign.

He goes on to suggest the woman would then be able to gain access to public contracts.

According to the newspapers, Strache says that there would be no resistance among the Krone's editorial staff as "journalists are the biggest whores on the planet".

Both the newspapers that published the footage say they don't have any firm information over who set up the elaborate sting.

'Done for!'

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz was due to give his reaction to the scandal on Saturday, with rumours rife that he may push for early elections.

The Krone Zeitung took a particularly outraged tone in its coverage, with its Saturday edition sporting a banner headline reading "The FPOe is done for!".

The Die Presse newspaper's headline talks of a "coalition on the brink".

The Austrian APA agency reports FPOe party sources as saying they want to try to save the coalition with Kurz's centre-right People's Party (OeVP) by replacing Strache as vice-chancellor with Transport Minister Norbert Hofer, also from the FPOe.

Elsewhere in the video Strache evokes the possibility of privatising part of Austria's public broadcaster ORF and says he would like Austria's media landscape to resemble that of neighbouring Hungary.

Hungary's right-wing nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban has overhauled the country's public media into a government propaganda organ while allies have steadily bought up swathes of the private media sector.

The FPOe has mounted repeated attacks on the ORF's coverage, accusing it of being biased against the party.

Strache also appeared to hint at possible ways political donations could be made to a foundation linked to the FPOe and not to the party directly, apparently in order to escape legal scrutiny.

In recent weeks Kurz has already had to defend his decision to enter government with the far-right after a string of revelations about extremist sympathies in the FPOe's ranks.&nbsp;

The putative link to Russia in the scandal is particularly embarrassing as the FPOe has a cooperation agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party, leading many to accuse the FPOe of an overly close relationship with Moscow.

The FPOe's lead candidate in next week's elections, MEP Harald Vilimsky, cancelled a planned trip to Milan on Saturday where he was due to take part in a campaign event with far-right Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini.

Strache, 49, succeeded the mercurial Joerg Haider as leader of the party in 2005.

He himself flirted with neo-Nazism in his youth, but as leader sought to clean up the party's image and make it more electable.

Austrian Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache, a key figure of the European far-right, resigned Saturday after explosive revelations from a hidden camera sting, just days before key EU elections.

Austrian Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache, a key figure of the European far-right, resigned Saturday after explosive revelations from a hidden camera sting, just days before key EU elections. "I tendered my resignation as vice-chancellor of Austria to Chancellor Kurz, and he accepted this decision," an emotional Strache said in a televised statement. Media reports emerged on Friday alleging that Strache promised public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer he met in a luxury villa on the island of Ibiza a few months before 2017's parliamentary elections in Austria. On Saturday Strache insisted he was the "victim of a targeted political attack" which had used illegal means, but that he was leaving in order to avoid further damage to the government. Germany's Der Spiegel and Sueddeutsche Zeitung published hidden-camera recordings of the sophisticated sting operation. In the recordings, Strache and his party's group leader in parliament, Johann Gudenus are seen discussing with a woman purporting to be the niece of a Russian oligarch how she can invest in Austria. She says she specifically wants to gain control of the country's largest-circulation tabloid, the Krone Zeitung. Strache is seen suggesting that new owners could make staff changes at the Krone and use the paper to help his Freedom Party (FPOe) in its election campaign. He goes on to suggest the woman would then be able to gain access to public contracts. According to the newspapers, Strache says that there would be no resistance among the Krone's editorial staff as "journalists are the biggest whores on the planet". Both the newspapers that published the footage say they don't have any firm information over who set up the elaborate sting. 'Done for!' Chancellor Sebastian Kurz was due to give his reaction to the scandal on Saturday, with rumours rife that he may push for early elections. The Krone Zeitung took a particularly outraged tone in its coverage, with its Saturday edition sporting a banner headline reading "The FPOe is done for!". The Die Presse newspaper's headline talks of a "coalition on the brink". The Austrian APA agency reports FPOe party sources as saying they want to try to save the coalition with Kurz's centre-right People's Party (OeVP) by replacing Strache as vice-chancellor with Transport Minister Norbert Hofer, also from the FPOe. Elsewhere in the video Strache evokes the possibility of privatising part of Austria's public broadcaster ORF and says he would like Austria's media landscape to resemble that of neighbouring Hungary. Hungary's right-wing nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban has overhauled the country's public media into a government propaganda organ while allies have steadily bought up swathes of the private media sector. The FPOe has mounted repeated attacks on the ORF's coverage, accusing it of being biased against the party. Strache also appeared to hint at possible ways political donations could be made to a foundation linked to the FPOe and not to the party directly, apparently in order to escape legal scrutiny. In recent weeks Kurz has already had to defend his decision to enter government with the far-right after a string of revelations about extremist sympathies in the FPOe's ranks. The putative link to Russia in the scandal is particularly embarrassing as the FPOe has a cooperation agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party, leading many to accuse the FPOe of an overly close relationship with Moscow. The FPOe's lead candidate in next week's elections, MEP Harald Vilimsky, cancelled a planned trip to Milan on Saturday where he was due to take part in a campaign event with far-right Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini. Strache, 49, succeeded the mercurial Joerg Haider as leader of the party in 2005. He himself flirted with neo-Nazism in his youth, but as leader sought to clean up the party's image and make it more electable.

Austrian far-right leader resigns over 'Ibiza affair'

Austria's coalition government teetered on the brink of collapse on Saturday after video footage published by German newspapers apparently showed Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache discussing state contracts with a potential Russian backer in return for political support.

Senior figures in the government - a coalition of Sebastian Kurz's conservatives and Strache's far-right Freedom Party - held a crisis meeting on Friday night.

Kurz, who has distanced himself from the far right to protect his image when lesser scandals have emerged, was due to make a statement later on Saturday. The opposition called for Strache to resign.

Even for a party used to controversy, this one appeared too big for it or the government to sit out.

"This is huge. This has to be the end of Heinz-Christian Strache," political analyst Thomas Hofer said, adding that it was unclear whether Strache's stepping down or a snap election was more likely.

The video was reported on Friday evening by two of neighbouring Germany's leading media - weekly Der Spiegel and newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung - purportedly showing a meeting in Ibiza between Strache, another party official and a woman purporting to be the niece of a Russian oligarch.

The newspaper reports also said the video appeared to be a sting operation.

The footage, recorded in July 2017 - months before the election that brought this government to power - showed Strache talking to the woman.

In it, he appeared to offer to direct inflated construction contracts to a company in exchange for support for his party, though he also said he wanted everything to be done legally.

Strache did not reply to a request for comment. Reuters was not able to verify the authenticity of the footage independently, and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-police-start-autopsies-in-mystery-crossbow-deaths-218353">German</a> newspapers did not say how they obtained it.

Strache has headed the party since 2005, bringing it back to mainstream electoral success not seen since it was led by the charismatic Joerg Haider. It secured 26 per cent of the vote in 2017's parliamentary election.

The video is also a headache for Kurz, whose party is still leading in opinion polls but far short of a majority. The only other party with enough seats for a majority is the Social Democrats, with which Kurz, an immigration hard-liner, has difficult relations.

The Freedom Party (FPO) co-chairman, Christian Hafenecker, said the party's lawyers were evaluating the material.

Neither Strache nor the FPO ever received or granted any benefits from the persons concerned, Hafenecker said in a statement.

"Since the video was obviously recorded illegally, we are also preparing appropriate legal steps."

Vienna prosecutors said they would study the reports and decide whether there was sufficient cause to open an investigation, a spokeswoman for the prosecutors said.

"The FPO is finished," ran the headline in the tabloid Kronen Zeitung, which featured in the video since the woman said the oligarch wanted to buy a stake.

It remains unclear who was behind the recording.

Austria's coalition government teetered on the brink of collapse on Saturday after video footage published by German newspapers apparently showed Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache discussing state contracts with a potential Russian backer in return for political support.

Austria's coalition government teetered on the brink of collapse on Saturday after video footage published by German newspapers apparently showed Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache discussing state contracts with a potential Russian backer in return for political support. Senior figures in the government - a coalition of Sebastian Kurz's conservatives and Strache's far-right Freedom Party - held a crisis meeting on Friday night. Kurz, who has distanced himself from the far right to protect his image when lesser scandals have emerged, was due to make a statement later on Saturday. The opposition called for Strache to resign. Even for a party used to controversy, this one appeared too big for it or the government to sit out. "This is huge. This has to be the end of Heinz-Christian Strache," political analyst Thomas Hofer said, adding that it was unclear whether Strache's stepping down or a snap election was more likely. The video was reported on Friday evening by two of neighbouring Germany's leading media - weekly Der Spiegel and newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung - purportedly showing a meeting in Ibiza between Strache, another party official and a woman purporting to be the niece of a Russian oligarch. The newspaper reports also said the video appeared to be a sting operation. The footage, recorded in July 2017 - months before the election that brought this government to power - showed Strache talking to the woman. In it, he appeared to offer to direct inflated construction contracts to a company in exchange for support for his party, though he also said he wanted everything to be done legally. Strache did not reply to a request for comment. Reuters was not able to verify the authenticity of the footage independently, and the German newspapers did not say how they obtained it. Strache has headed the party since 2005, bringing it back to mainstream electoral success not seen since it was led by the charismatic Joerg Haider. It secured 26 per cent of the vote in 2017's parliamentary election. The video is also a headache for Kurz, whose party is still leading in opinion polls but far short of a majority. The only other party with enough seats for a majority is the Social Democrats, with which Kurz, an immigration hard-liner, has difficult relations. The Freedom Party (FPO) co-chairman, Christian Hafenecker, said the party's lawyers were evaluating the material. Neither Strache nor the FPO ever received or granted any benefits from the persons concerned, Hafenecker said in a statement. "Since the video was obviously recorded illegally, we are also preparing appropriate legal steps." Vienna prosecutors said they would study the reports and decide whether there was sufficient cause to open an investigation, a spokeswoman for the prosecutors said. "The FPO is finished," ran the headline in the tabloid Kronen Zeitung, which featured in the video since the woman said the oligarch wanted to buy a stake. It remains unclear who was behind the recording.

Austrian government teeters after video of far-right leader

Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen on Saturday called on Freedom Party (FPO) candidate Udo Landbauer to step down from elections in the province of Lower Austria after it emerged a group he was a member of had distributed song books with Nazi content.

The anti-immigrant Freedom Party (FPO), junior coalition government partner to Chancellor Sebastian Kurz&#39;s conservatives, was founded by former Nazis and has repeatedly excluded members in Nazi scandals. It says it has left its Nazi past behind.

&quot;It&#39;s not just a case of whitewashing ... but a ridicule of mass murder during the Holocaust, especially the ridicule of the gassing of millions of Jews in Auschwitz,&quot; Van der Bellen said on the TV programme Mittagsjournal on Austrian broadcaster Oe1.

&quot;I mean, where are we? To just accept that without any commentary, and saying the courts must decide over the matter, that&#39;s not my position.&quot;

Landbauer, the FPO&#39;s top candidate in Lower Austria, which holds a provincial election this weekend, was deputy leader of a fraternity which came under close attention this week when it emerged that it produced a songbook in 1997 that included references to killing Jews.

Landbauer suspended his membership of the fraternity after the scandal erupted and denied any knowledge of such songs.

He said the judiciary had to deal with the case, but added that the book in question had been produced when he was 11 years old, meaning he could not be held responsible for it.

Prosecutors have opened an investigation against&nbsp;unknown persons.

Peaceful protest

On Friday, thousands of Austrians marched peacefully in protest against an annual Viennese ball held by the Freedom Party, continuing a wave of demonstrations since its return to government last month.

The Academics&#39; Ball in the former imperial palace in central Vienna draws protests every year. But while previous years&#39; demonstrations have mainly comprised members of anti-fascist and left-wing groups, Friday&#39;s protest drew a larger and more varied crowd.

Police put the number of people taking part in the march at 8,000 while organisers said the turnout was 10,000.

Several FPO ministers had said they would not attend the ball, which included many members of far-right fraternities to which several senior party figures also belong.

However, the head of the FPO, Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache, did attend, with his wife.

Some of those fraternities espouse ideas that echo Nazi ideology, such as the idea of a larger Germany including Austria.

Landbauer suspended his membership of the fraternity after the scandal erupted and denied any knowledge of such songs

Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen on Saturday called on Freedom Party (FPO) candidate Udo Landbauer to step down from elections in the province of Lower Austria after it emerged a group he was a member of had distributed song books with Nazi content. The anti-immigrant Freedom Party (FPO), junior coalition government partner to Chancellor Sebastian Kurz's conservatives, was founded by former Nazis and has repeatedly excluded members in Nazi scandals. It says it has left its Nazi past behind. "It's not just a case of whitewashing ... but a ridicule of mass murder during the Holocaust, especially the ridicule of the gassing of millions of Jews in Auschwitz," Van der Bellen said on the TV programme Mittagsjournal on Austrian broadcaster Oe1. "I mean, where are we? To just accept that without any commentary, and saying the courts must decide over the matter, that's not my position." Landbauer, the FPO's top candidate in Lower Austria, which holds a provincial election this weekend, was deputy leader of a fraternity which came under close attention this week when it emerged that it produced a songbook in 1997 that included references to killing Jews. Landbauer suspended his membership of the fraternity after the scandal erupted and denied any knowledge of such songs. He said the judiciary had to deal with the case, but added that the book in question had been produced when he was 11 years old, meaning he could not be held responsible for it. Prosecutors have opened an investigation against unknown persons. Peaceful protest On Friday, thousands of Austrians marched peacefully in protest against an annual Viennese ball held by the Freedom Party, continuing a wave of demonstrations since its return to government last month. The Academics' Ball in the former imperial palace in central Vienna draws protests every year. But while previous years' demonstrations have mainly comprised members of anti-fascist and left-wing groups, Friday's protest drew a larger and more varied crowd. Police put the number of people taking part in the march at 8,000 while organisers said the turnout was 10,000. Several FPO ministers had said they would not attend the ball, which included many members of far-right fraternities to which several senior party figures also belong. However, the head of the FPO, Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache, did attend, with his wife. Some of those fraternities espouse ideas that echo Nazi ideology, such as the idea of a larger Germany including Austria.

Austrian president calls for far-right candidate's resignation over Nazi-content in songbook

Austria&#39;s far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) said Monday that a planned ban on smoking in all bars and restaurants due to come into force in mid-2018 will be scrapped.

FPOe chief Heinz-Christian Strache said that the reversal was agreed in ongoing talks to form a coalition with the conservative People&#39;s Party (OeVP) following elections in October.

&quot;I am proud of this excellent solution in the interests of non-smokers, smokers and restaurant owners,&quot; Strache, who had made the move a key campaign pledge, said on social media.

&quot;The freedom to choose lives on. The existence of restaurants (particularly small ones) has been secured. Thousands of threatened jobs have been saved,&quot; said Strache, 48, himself a smoker.

Unlike in most of Europe, in Austria people can smoke in eateries under certain conditions -- which are widely flouted -- including that it is confined to separate rooms.

The outgoing government, a coalition of the OeVP and the Social Democrats, passed a law in 2015 banning smoking completely in bars and eateries, which was due to take effect next May.

The new government, which Strache and non-smoker OeVP head Sebastian Kurz, 31, want installed before Christmas, will however make some concessions, media reports said.

Under-18s will not be allowed in smoking rooms of bars and restaurants, smoking will be outlawed in cars if under-18s are inside, and the minimum age for smoking will rise from 16 to 18.

Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) said Monday that a planned ban on smoking in all bars and restaurants due to come into force in mid-2018 will be scrapped

Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) said Monday that a planned ban on smoking in all bars and restaurants due to come into force in mid-2018 will be scrapped. FPOe chief Heinz-Christian Strache said that the reversal was agreed in ongoing talks to form a coalition with the conservative People's Party (OeVP) following elections in October. "I am proud of this excellent solution in the interests of non-smokers, smokers and restaurant owners," Strache, who had made the move a key campaign pledge, said on social media. "The freedom to choose lives on. The existence of restaurants (particularly small ones) has been secured. Thousands of threatened jobs have been saved," said Strache, 48, himself a smoker. Unlike in most of Europe, in Austria people can smoke in eateries under certain conditions -- which are widely flouted -- including that it is confined to separate rooms. The outgoing government, a coalition of the OeVP and the Social Democrats, passed a law in 2015 banning smoking completely in bars and eateries, which was due to take effect next May. The new government, which Strache and non-smoker OeVP head Sebastian Kurz, 31, want installed before Christmas, will however make some concessions, media reports said. Under-18s will not be allowed in smoking rooms of bars and restaurants, smoking will be outlawed in cars if under-18s are inside, and the minimum age for smoking will rise from 16 to 18.

Austria set to stub out smoking ban