Austria: President Alexander Van der Bellen re-elected in the first round

Outgoing President Alexander Van der Bellen speaks to supporters at his campaign headquarters in Vienna on October 9, 2022. AFP - JOE KLAMAR

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The outgoing president, Alexander Van der Bellen, was re-elected this Sunday, October 9, in the first round.

The ecologist won 56% of the vote, according to still provisional results.

A re-election that was expected.

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With our correspondent in Vienna,

Isaure Hiace

The victory that the polls had promised him for weeks has taken place: Alexander Van der Bellen will not need a second round.

As of this Sunday, he was reappointed for a six-year term at the head of Austria.

The 78-year-old environmentalist, who embodies stability in the eyes of Austrians, in his first speech called for unity in this difficult period.

“ 

We are going through a turbulent period: there is the energy situation, the pandemic which seems to be returning and above all the war in Ukraine and its consequences.

There will be a lot to do.

I therefore hope that there will be a form of alliance between the constructive forces of our Republic so that we all work together to find solutions.

Because this collective approach has always proven its worth in Austria.

 » 

The FPÖ, the far-right party, does not repeat its 2016 achievement of qualifying in the second round.

The party comes second, but more than 30 points behind Alexander Van der Bellen.

It must be said that this election was very different from that of 6 years ago, most of the traditional parties having not presented candidates against the ecologist.

From Sunday evening, moreover, the Social Democrats, the Liberals, but also the Conservatives welcomed the result of the election.

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To read also: Presidential in Austria: Alexander Van der Bellen big favorite to succeed him

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  • Austria

  • Alexander Van der Bellen