The leader of Austria’s Freedom Party received a mandate Monday to form a new government, which would be the first headed by the far right since World War II if he succeeds.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has asked the leader of the country's far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) to form a new ruling coalition in what could yield the first far-right-led government in Austria since World War Two.

The leader of the anti-immigration, pro-Russia Freedom Party has been given the chance to try to form a government after months of coalition talks among mainstream parties collapsed.

Austria's far-right and conservative parties have previously shared power but always with the Freedom Party in a junior role.

FPO leader Herbert Kickl gets mandate to try to lead a government, the first headed by the far right since World War II.

The Austrian Freedom Party (FPO) being asked to form a coalition government marks the first time since World War II that a far-right party has been tasked with doing so, after a centrist bid to assemble one without it collapsed unexpectedly over the weekend.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen gave the green light to far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) leader Herbert Kickl to attempt and form the new ruling coalition after the two met in Vienna on Monday.

Austria's Freedom Party, led by Herbert Kickl, has received a mandate to form a new government. If successful, this would mark the first government led by the far-right since World War II. The party secured 28.

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg will serve as the country's interim leader while the far-right Freedom Party attempts to put together a new coalition government, the president's office said Wednesday.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, seen by many as the most pro-Russia leader of any EU country, hailed “an historic victory” for the Freedom Party after Austria's elections in September. Dutch right-wing leader Geert Wilders said his movement was “winning” in Europe.

Austria's Freedom Party leader tasked with forming new government, potentially marking first far-right government since WWII.

Austria is on the verge of appointing its first far-right chancellor since World War II, as President Alexander Van der Bellen has tasked Herbert Kickl, leader of the Freedom Party (FPÖ), with forming a coalition government.