The new, interim leader of Austria's conservatives demanded assurances from the far right on Wednesday that they want to keep Austria free from Russian interference, laying out potential flashpoints as they head into coalition talks.

VIENNA - Austria's Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl said on Tuesday that he planned to invite the conservative People's Party for coalition talks. Kickl's announcement came one day after he was given a mandate by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen to form a new government.

Austrian far-right Freedom Party (FPO) leader Herbert Kickl confirmed on Tuesday he plans to invite the conservative People's Party (OVP) to hold coalition talks after he was tasked with forming a coalition government.

Austrian far-right Freedom Party (FPO) leader Herbert Kickl called on the conservative People's Party (OVP) to be "honest" in their imminent coalition talks or face the prospect of a snap election, with his support still rising and the OVP's falling.

The Austrian president has asked Herbert Kickl, the leader of the country's far-right Freedom Party, to form a new ruling coalition in what could yield the first far-right-led government in Austria since World War II.

Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen has given far-right leader Herbert Kickl a mandate to form a government, putting the Freedom Party chief one step closer to becoming chancellor. “I have not taken this step lightly,