STATES CHRONICLE – Sebastian Kurz won on Sunday the elections for the next chancellor of Austria. He is a member of the conservative Austrian People’s Party. As the new most influential political figure in the nation, Kurz aged 31 is the youngest leader in the world superseding Kim Jong Un (33) in North Korea and Leo Varadkar (38) in Ireland.
Today’s Youngest Leader in the World Won by Rebranding a Far-Right Party
On Sunday, Austria voted in favor of Sebastian Kurz with a 31% of the vote. The young politician earned for himself the nickname of “Wunderwuzzi.” The appellative references a person who can walk on water.
His success was interpreted as an effect of growing immigration. His work as the head of the center-right People’s Party (OVP) changed the way the public view this political stance. Kurz emphasized a stern position towards immigration. Giving the troubling times regarding global stability, Kurz managed to strike a chord in Australians which brought him his victory.
Other changes contributed to the upheaval of OVP amid an era that focuses on the power of the internet to erase borders and intensify social democracy. Kurz rebranded his party as The New People’s Party and replaced the black color scheme with a modern turquoise.
During his electoral campaign, Kurz was a promotor of extremist ideas. Some of these include extra border controls, cutting down on benefits for newcomers, and reducing the cap on refugees.
Kurz’s Victory Reinforced the Influence the Far-Right Wing Earned throughout Europe
Through this outcome, Austria marks an entirely new point of view towards immigration. Only two years ago, the European country was seen as one of the most hospitable nations for refugees. However, it turns out that the population paid a high price for this title.
Austrians started fearing the consequences of hosting tens of thousands of people coming from regions of war. Therefore, the youngest leader’s rhetoric on radical measures found them in a moment of vulnerability. The victory of Kurz was added to the influence the far-right wing gains across Europe.
However, this political side hasn’t obtained full control yet. France hosted an epic battle between the left and right wings during its latest presidential election. The moderate and tolerant party won through Emmanuel Macron and strengthened the modern world’s predilection for liberal views.
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