#AUSTRIA: Chancellor Calls For New Elections After Corruption Scandal

[world politics news]

Austria’s Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has announced fresh elections after explosive revelations from a hidden camera sting forced his deputy, far-right leader Heinz-Christian Strache, to resign, bringing an end to his coalition.

“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 island of Ibiza a few months before 2017’s parliamentary elections in Austria.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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#AUSTRIA: Freedom Party Blocks Looming 2018 Smoking Ban In Hotels, Restaurants

[world politics news]

Austria’s Freedom Party has announced that a planned ban on smoking in all bars and restaurants that was due to come into force in 2018 will be scrapped. Party chief Heinz-Christian Strache said the reversal was agreed in ongoing talks to form a coalition with the conservative People’s Party following elections in October.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#AUSTRIA: Freedom Party Leader Vows Close Ties To Putin's Party; Meets With Trump Advisor

[world politics news]

President-elect Donald Trump's national security adviser, Michael Flynn, met with the leader of a far-right Austrian political party that has close ties with Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin. The leader of Austria's Freedom Party, Heinz-Christian Strache, wrote on his Facebook page Monday that he met with Flynn "and a few other high-ranking US politicians" a few weeks ago at Trump Tower, including Flynn, whose ties to Russia have come under fire. He noted in the post that his party had recently signed a cooperation deal with Putin's United Russia Party.