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May 20, 2019

Austria Calls Snap Election After Far-Right Leader Caught in Corruption Scandal
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In Austria, a snap election has been called after the Saturday
resignation of Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache, who was also the
leader of the far-right, nationalist Freedom Party. Strache resigned
after a hidden camera video was released showing him promising
government contracts to a Russian woman who claimed to be the niece of a
powerful Russian oligarch. Strache said he or his Freedom Party never
received any money, and apologized for the incident, blaming his actions
on alcohol and his desire to impress his female companion. Austrian
Chancellor Sebastian Kurz dissolved his People's Party's coalition with
the Freedom Party following the resignation. The news comes as a blow to
nationalist politicians in Austria and across Europe who are hoping to
increase their political power in the upcoming European Parliament
elections taking place later this week.


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