The Freedom Party and its leader, Herbert Kickl, have steadily built support by demonizing immigrants, while entering Austria’s political mainstream.

Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen has officially tasked the far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) with forming a government. Van der Bellen made the announcement at a press conference in Vienna on Monday after a meeting with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl.

Political developments are sounding alarm bells in Austria. Critics worry the man asked to form government could bring back the country's dark past. Nathaniel Dove explores the roots of the political party in question and what the change could mean for the country and Europe.

Herbert Kickl, the leader of the Freedom Party of Austria, has been mandated by President Van der Bellen to form a new government. Herbert Kickl, the leader of the right-wing populist Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ),

Austria’s Freedom Party, which is starting talks to lead the government, opposes sanctions on Russia and the EU’s support for Ukraine.