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Far-right concedes defeat in Austrian presidential election – live Far-right concedes defeat in Austrian presidential election – live
(35 minutes later)
7.33pm GMT
19:33
Alexander Van der Bellen: who is Austria's new president?
So who is the new Austrian president? Alexander Van der Bellen is a tall, austere 72-year-old retired economics professor, a Green MP for 18 years before leaving parliament in 2012 to become a popular Vienna city councillor.
Van der Bellen’s father was born in Russia to a family descended from Dutch immigrants. His mother was born in Estonia, from where both fled when the Red Army invaded in 1940, moving first to Germany and eventually settling in Austria.
Viewed by many conservatives as too leftwing, and by more militant Greens as not radical enough, Van der Bellen spent the early part of his political career in the Social Democrats.
He campaigned on an unashamedly pro-European platform, arguing that Austria’s economic growth depended on it and saying this evening:
From the beginning, I fought and argued for a pro-European Austria. I would think it a big mistake to promote the drifting apart of the EU.
Known as Sascha in reference to his Russian roots, Van der Bellen led the Greens from 1997 to 2008, turning the party into the country’s fourth biggest political force and stepping down only after elections in which it lost votes for the first time in a decade.
A heavy smoker – “I once quit for four months … but why should I torture myself at my age?” – and outspoken supporter of gay marriage, he is divorced and recently remarried. He lists American crime novels, 19th-century Russian literature and Donald Duck cartoons among his interests.
7.13pm GMT
19:13
The Guardian’s Angela Giuffrida has been talking to voters in Italy’s constitutional reform referendum. She spoke first to Alessandra Castelli, who has lived in London for more than 10 years and may be one of the millions of Italian voters abroad to whom prime minister Matteo Renzi is looking to for salvation:
This is an occasion to really change Italy. Most of the people voting No are the ones wanting to keep the the current government out. They don’t care if it takes ages to approve a legislation, they just want Renzi out. But this is ridiculous , in a country where for 70 years we had 63 governments, and where at the G7 we always have to send a different prime minister.
Those who have to actually endure Italy’s stagnating economy, however, beg to differ. In Orvieto, 36-year-old chef and restaurant owner Valentina Santanicchio said:
It’s fine for those living a nice life in Berlin or London looking towards Italy and saying ‘it needs to change’ - we’re the ones who have to live through the misery here. It’s not that I don’t think we need a change in the constitution, but there are other priorities, the main one being jobs. Italy has so much potential, but it’s wasted. I’m nervous about the potential instability, but this is a government we didn’t elect.
Updated
at 7.16pm GMT
6.59pm GMT6.59pm GMT
18:5918:59
Van der Bellen hails win for “freedom, equality, solidarity”Van der Bellen hails win for “freedom, equality, solidarity”
The victorious Austrian independent presidential candidate, Alexander Van der Bellen, said his unexpectedly comfortable projected win over the right-wing populist Norbert Hofer showed voters supported his message of “freedom, equality, solidarity”.The victorious Austrian independent presidential candidate, Alexander Van der Bellen, said his unexpectedly comfortable projected win over the right-wing populist Norbert Hofer showed voters supported his message of “freedom, equality, solidarity”.
Van der Bellen, a former economics professor and left-leaning one-time leader of the Green party, said he would work to unite a country that was deeply split between the moderate liberals who voted for him and those who backed instead Hofer’s Eurosceptic, anti-immigrant Freedom Party.Van der Bellen, a former economics professor and left-leaning one-time leader of the Green party, said he would work to unite a country that was deeply split between the moderate liberals who voted for him and those who backed instead Hofer’s Eurosceptic, anti-immigrant Freedom Party.
Final results will not be available until more than 500,000 absentee ballots are counted on Monday, the interior ministry said, but with most ballots cast on Sunday now counted, Van der Bellen appears to have an unassailable 53.3% of the vote.Final results will not be available until more than 500,000 absentee ballots are counted on Monday, the interior ministry said, but with most ballots cast on Sunday now counted, Van der Bellen appears to have an unassailable 53.3% of the vote.
6.51pm GMT6.51pm GMT
18:5118:51
Back in Italy, Stephanie Kirchgaessner has an update on the turnout in the country’s crunch referendum on proposed constitutional reforms. The prime minister, Matteo Renzi, has promised to resign if he loses the plebiscite, prompting fears of possible political and eurozone uncertainty:Back in Italy, Stephanie Kirchgaessner has an update on the turnout in the country’s crunch referendum on proposed constitutional reforms. The prime minister, Matteo Renzi, has promised to resign if he loses the plebiscite, prompting fears of possible political and eurozone uncertainty:
About 57% of Italian voters have cast their ballots in this referendum as of 7pm, a strong showing for a complicated question about the nation’s constitution. The high turnout numbers lend credence to the view that this vote has really touched a nerve in Italy, and is seen by some as a vote of confidence in prime minister Matteo Renzi.About 57% of Italian voters have cast their ballots in this referendum as of 7pm, a strong showing for a complicated question about the nation’s constitution. The high turnout numbers lend credence to the view that this vote has really touched a nerve in Italy, and is seen by some as a vote of confidence in prime minister Matteo Renzi.
It looked initially like turnout figures in the south were going to be far lower than northern and central Italy, but it now seems they have caught up. It’s hard, though, to make too many sweeping assumptions about this – while some Renzi strongholds will encourage the prime minister, other cities that back the far-right Northern League, which opposes the reforms, have also come out in full force.It looked initially like turnout figures in the south were going to be far lower than northern and central Italy, but it now seems they have caught up. It’s hard, though, to make too many sweeping assumptions about this – while some Renzi strongholds will encourage the prime minister, other cities that back the far-right Northern League, which opposes the reforms, have also come out in full force.
6.44pm GMT6.44pm GMT
18:4418:44
Austrian chancellor congratulates new presidentAustrian chancellor congratulates new president
The Austrian federal chancellor, Social Democrat Christian Kern, has congratulated Van der Bellen for his victory over the far-right’s Norbert Hofer.The Austrian federal chancellor, Social Democrat Christian Kern, has congratulated Van der Bellen for his victory over the far-right’s Norbert Hofer.
In a clear allusion to fears by mainstream politicians that a win for Hofer and his party’s anti-immigrant views would have harmed the country’s image abroad, Kern added that:In a clear allusion to fears by mainstream politicians that a win for Hofer and his party’s anti-immigrant views would have harmed the country’s image abroad, Kern added that:
I am convinced that we will have a president with Van der Bellen who will represent Austria domestically and abroad in an excellent manner.I am convinced that we will have a president with Van der Bellen who will represent Austria domestically and abroad in an excellent manner.
6.37pm GMT6.37pm GMT
18:3718:37
Martin Schulz, the German president of the European parliament, has congratulated Van der Bellen, saying he won Austria’s presidential election with “a clear pro-European message and campaign”, and describing the victory as:Martin Schulz, the German president of the European parliament, has congratulated Van der Bellen, saying he won Austria’s presidential election with “a clear pro-European message and campaign”, and describing the victory as:
#vanderbellens victory is a heavy defeat of nationalism and anti-European, backward-looking populism #bpw16 2/2#vanderbellens victory is a heavy defeat of nationalism and anti-European, backward-looking populism #bpw16 2/2
Partial results showed Van der Bellen with 53.3% and his far-right, anti-immigrant Freedom Party rival Norbert Hofer on 46.7%.Partial results showed Van der Bellen with 53.3% and his far-right, anti-immigrant Freedom Party rival Norbert Hofer on 46.7%.
6.31pm GMT6.31pm GMT
18:3118:31
The Conference of European Rabbis, which represent more than 700 leaders of mainstream synagogues across the continent, is delighted with the defeat of the far-right candidate in Austria’s presidential election.The Conference of European Rabbis, which represent more than 700 leaders of mainstream synagogues across the continent, is delighted with the defeat of the far-right candidate in Austria’s presidential election.
Austria has just passed a difficult test. Let’s hope that the results in Austria will strengthen political forces in Europe which are committed to combat racism, antisemitism and xenophobia.Austria has just passed a difficult test. Let’s hope that the results in Austria will strengthen political forces in Europe which are committed to combat racism, antisemitism and xenophobia.
The Guardian published this article on Saturday on why the Jewish community was praying the Freedom party’s Norbert Hofer would fail to win the presidency.The Guardian published this article on Saturday on why the Jewish community was praying the Freedom party’s Norbert Hofer would fail to win the presidency.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.51pm GMTat 6.51pm GMT
6.22pm GMT6.22pm GMT
18:2218:22
Fresh from Vienna, here’s Philip Oltermann’s more considered take on the unexpected outcome of Austria’s presidential election:Fresh from Vienna, here’s Philip Oltermann’s more considered take on the unexpected outcome of Austria’s presidential election:
Austria on Sunday decisively rejected the possibility of European Union getting its first far-right head of state, instead electing a strongly pro-European former leader of the Green party as its next president.Austria on Sunday decisively rejected the possibility of European Union getting its first far-right head of state, instead electing a strongly pro-European former leader of the Green party as its next president.
Alexander Van der Bellen, who ran as an independent, managing to increase his lead over Freedom Party candidate Norbert Hofer by a considerable margin from the original vote in May, which was annulled by the constitutional vote due to sloppy voting.Alexander Van der Bellen, who ran as an independent, managing to increase his lead over Freedom Party candidate Norbert Hofer by a considerable margin from the original vote in May, which was annulled by the constitutional vote due to sloppy voting.
The rightwing populist candidate for the Austrian presidency conceded his defeat within less than half an hour of the first exit polls, writing on Facebook: “I congratulate Alexander Van der Bellen for his success and ask all Austrians to pull together and work together.The rightwing populist candidate for the Austrian presidency conceded his defeat within less than half an hour of the first exit polls, writing on Facebook: “I congratulate Alexander Van der Bellen for his success and ask all Austrians to pull together and work together.
The 45-year-old said he was “endlessly sad” and “would have liked to look after Austria”.The 45-year-old said he was “endlessly sad” and “would have liked to look after Austria”.
Freedom Party secretary Herbert Kickl, who has acted as Hofer’s campaign manager, said: “The bottom line is it didn’t quite work out. In this case the establishment - which pitched in once again to block, to stonewall and to prevent renewal - has won.”Freedom Party secretary Herbert Kickl, who has acted as Hofer’s campaign manager, said: “The bottom line is it didn’t quite work out. In this case the establishment - which pitched in once again to block, to stonewall and to prevent renewal - has won.”
Werner Kogler, a delegate for the Green Party, described the result as a “small global turning of the tide in these uncertain, not to say hysterical and even stupid times”.Werner Kogler, a delegate for the Green Party, described the result as a “small global turning of the tide in these uncertain, not to say hysterical and even stupid times”.
You can read Philip’s full report here.You can read Philip’s full report here.
6.13pm GMT6.13pm GMT
18:1318:13
Germany’s foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, has reacted to the news that the left-leaning, Green-backed candidate Alexander Van der Bellen is on course for an unexpectedly comfortable win over his far-right rival Norbert Hofer in the Austrian presidential elections:Germany’s foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, has reacted to the news that the left-leaning, Green-backed candidate Alexander Van der Bellen is on course for an unexpectedly comfortable win over his far-right rival Norbert Hofer in the Austrian presidential elections:
„The whole of #Europe has heaved a sigh of relief." FM #Steinmeier on the outcome of the Presidential election in #Austria. #bpw16 #bpwahl16„The whole of #Europe has heaved a sigh of relief." FM #Steinmeier on the outcome of the Presidential election in #Austria. #bpw16 #bpwahl16
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.23pm GMTat 6.23pm GMT
6.09pm GMT6.09pm GMT
18:0918:09
Angela Giuffrida is on the ground for the Guardian in Orvieto, Italy, where she interviewed Steve Brenner, an American expat with dual citizenship who owns a hotel in Rome and voted No in the referendum because he is not convinced the reforms would actually create a more efficient, cheaper, and smaller government, as the Yes camp has said.Angela Giuffrida is on the ground for the Guardian in Orvieto, Italy, where she interviewed Steve Brenner, an American expat with dual citizenship who owns a hotel in Rome and voted No in the referendum because he is not convinced the reforms would actually create a more efficient, cheaper, and smaller government, as the Yes camp has said.
Italy, from what I understand, does not have a problem with the number of laws it passes. It has a problem with enforcing them. It has a problem with the judiciary and executive process. As for stability, the biggest problem for me in Italy is a lack of faith in government. That undermines everything and it’s what makes governments unstable.Italy, from what I understand, does not have a problem with the number of laws it passes. It has a problem with enforcing them. It has a problem with the judiciary and executive process. As for stability, the biggest problem for me in Italy is a lack of faith in government. That undermines everything and it’s what makes governments unstable.
Voting is underway in Orvieto, Umbria. #ItalyReferendum pic.twitter.com/BAzw3PXZjYVoting is underway in Orvieto, Umbria. #ItalyReferendum pic.twitter.com/BAzw3PXZjY
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.53pm GMTat 6.53pm GMT
6.06pm GMT6.06pm GMT
18:0618:06
Back to Italy, where voters are still casting their ballots in the country’s referendum on proposed constitutional reforms.Back to Italy, where voters are still casting their ballots in the country’s referendum on proposed constitutional reforms.
Polls close at 11pm local time (10pm GMT). Exit polls – not very reliable, particularly early on in the evening – will be announced on Italian television as soon as polls close, with the first projections based on actual votes counted starting to appear from around 11.30pm.Polls close at 11pm local time (10pm GMT). Exit polls – not very reliable, particularly early on in the evening – will be announced on Italian television as soon as polls close, with the first projections based on actual votes counted starting to appear from around 11.30pm.
Those projections are then more or less every half hour, becoming steadily more accurate as the night wears on. If the result is clear-cut, the winner could be known by around midnight – if not, the result may come as late as 3am.Those projections are then more or less every half hour, becoming steadily more accurate as the night wears on. If the result is clear-cut, the winner could be known by around midnight – if not, the result may come as late as 3am.
5.57pm GMT5.57pm GMT
17:5717:57
A reader, Heather Hampson, has asked about the Guardian’s use of the terms “far right” and “alt-right” – which some see as a term that sanitises the movement it describes – and how we distinguish the two.A reader, Heather Hampson, has asked about the Guardian’s use of the terms “far right” and “alt-right” – which some see as a term that sanitises the movement it describes – and how we distinguish the two.
As it happens, our style team published its guidance on just this subject, along with an explanation for it, last week. Essentially, the Guardian has not banned the use of “alt-right” because it exists as a term that is used in the world, particularly in the US, and “it is the media’s job to describe and reflect the world as it is.”As it happens, our style team published its guidance on just this subject, along with an explanation for it, last week. Essentially, the Guardian has not banned the use of “alt-right” because it exists as a term that is used in the world, particularly in the US, and “it is the media’s job to describe and reflect the world as it is.”
But it also believes the media should describe and reflect that world – including the “alt-right” – accurately. So this is the style team’s guidance:But it also believes the media should describe and reflect that world – including the “alt-right” – accurately. So this is the style team’s guidance:
alt-right: Use once, with a hyphen and in quotes, at first mention, followed by the brief but broad description of it being a far-right movement. Prefer far right (noun) or far-right (adjective) at any subsequent mention.alt-right: Use once, with a hyphen and in quotes, at first mention, followed by the brief but broad description of it being a far-right movement. Prefer far right (noun) or far-right (adjective) at any subsequent mention.
More specific descriptions can be used where relevant when mentioning individuals associated with the movement, but such descriptions should be evidence-based.More specific descriptions can be used where relevant when mentioning individuals associated with the movement, but such descriptions should be evidence-based.
5.46pm GMT5.46pm GMT
17:4617:46
German politicians welcome defeat for Austria's far rightGerman politicians welcome defeat for Austria's far right
Alexander Van der Bellen’s provisional victory in Austria’s presidential election has been enthusiastically welcomed across the border in neighbouring Germany, which faces key elections of its own before next autumn.Alexander Van der Bellen’s provisional victory in Austria’s presidential election has been enthusiastically welcomed across the border in neighbouring Germany, which faces key elections of its own before next autumn.
Vice chancellor Sigmar Gabriel of the centre-left Social Democrats told Bild newspaper:Vice chancellor Sigmar Gabriel of the centre-left Social Democrats told Bild newspaper:
A load has been taken off the mind of all of Europe. This is a clear victory for good sense against right-wing populism.A load has been taken off the mind of all of Europe. This is a clear victory for good sense against right-wing populism.
Manfred Weber, the influential head of the main centre-right group in the European parliament, tweeted:Manfred Weber, the influential head of the main centre-right group in the European parliament, tweeted:
Austrians are sending a clear pro European signal. The right wing populists' celebration is cancelled for now. #Austria #bpw16 1/2Austrians are sending a clear pro European signal. The right wing populists' celebration is cancelled for now. #Austria #bpw16 1/2
and then added:and then added:
FPÖ attempt to score with campaigns of fear and lies has failed. We have to fight populists and expose them! #bpw16 2/2FPÖ attempt to score with campaigns of fear and lies has failed. We have to fight populists and expose them! #bpw16 2/2
Ulrich Kelber, another Social Democrat, suggested that Donald Trump’s election may have been a turning point and “the liberal majority pushes back”, while the Germany Greens leader, Simone Peter, said it was a “good day for Austria and Europe. The right-wing rabble-rousers have to be stopped!”Ulrich Kelber, another Social Democrat, suggested that Donald Trump’s election may have been a turning point and “the liberal majority pushes back”, while the Germany Greens leader, Simone Peter, said it was a “good day for Austria and Europe. The right-wing rabble-rousers have to be stopped!”
Super! Riesenfreude! Klarer Vorsprung für Sascha @vanderbellen. Ein guter Tag für Österreich u. Europa. Die rechten Hetzer sind zu stoppen! https://t.co/eUUtivih41Super! Riesenfreude! Klarer Vorsprung für Sascha @vanderbellen. Ein guter Tag für Österreich u. Europa. Die rechten Hetzer sind zu stoppen! https://t.co/eUUtivih41
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.01pm GMTat 7.01pm GMT
5.32pm GMT5.32pm GMT
17:3217:32
In Italy, Stephanie Kirchgaessner has details of an embarrassing moment for prime minister Matteo Renzi as he cast his ballot in today’s referendum on constitutional reforms.In Italy, Stephanie Kirchgaessner has details of an embarrassing moment for prime minister Matteo Renzi as he cast his ballot in today’s referendum on constitutional reforms.
There’s pretty high level scrutiny for voters in Italy. You have to show identification and a voter registration card, which gets stamped once you have cast your ballot. Footage taken of prime minister Matteo Renzi shows he forgot to bring his ID, but poll workers let it go.There’s pretty high level scrutiny for voters in Italy. You have to show identification and a voter registration card, which gets stamped once you have cast your ballot. Footage taken of prime minister Matteo Renzi shows he forgot to bring his ID, but poll workers let it go.
Why do Italians fume that the rules don't apply to politicians? @MatteoRenzi does not bring ID to voting booth https://t.co/jUvD46qgkOWhy do Italians fume that the rules don't apply to politicians? @MatteoRenzi does not bring ID to voting booth https://t.co/jUvD46qgkO
5.29pm GMT5.29pm GMT
17:2917:29
Norbert Hofer has posted on his Facebook page, thanking his supporters and congratulating Van der Bellen. Here’s a (rough) translation:Norbert Hofer has posted on his Facebook page, thanking his supporters and congratulating Van der Bellen. Here’s a (rough) translation:
Dear friends,Dear friends,
I would like to thank you. You have given me such great support, and I am incredibly sad that it didn’t work out. I would have liked to watch over our Austria.I would like to thank you. You have given me such great support, and I am incredibly sad that it didn’t work out. I would have liked to watch over our Austria.
I congratulate Alexander Van der Bellen on his success and ask all Austrians to stick together and to work together. We are all, equally, Austrians, no matter how we voted at the ballot box.I congratulate Alexander Van der Bellen on his success and ask all Austrians to stick together and to work together. We are all, equally, Austrians, no matter how we voted at the ballot box.
5.20pm GMT5.20pm GMT
17:2017:20
Der Spiegel’s deputy foreign editor, Mathieu van Rohr, predicts the scale of left-wing candidate Alexander Van der Bellen’s win in Austria.Der Spiegel’s deputy foreign editor, Mathieu van Rohr, predicts the scale of left-wing candidate Alexander Van der Bellen’s win in Austria.
That’s quite a swing, and it is at least possible that part of it may be down to voters’ uncertainty following the shock results of the Brexit referendum vote and Trump’s US presidential victory.That’s quite a swing, and it is at least possible that part of it may be down to voters’ uncertainty following the shock results of the Brexit referendum vote and Trump’s US presidential victory.
Van der Bellen was up by only 30.000 votes in May, will be up by 300.000 votes this time. https://t.co/bN93eMMDk6Van der Bellen was up by only 30.000 votes in May, will be up by 300.000 votes this time. https://t.co/bN93eMMDk6
5.09pm GMT5.09pm GMT
17:0917:09
The defeat of far-right candidate Norbert Hofer to the liberal, left-of-centre Alexander Van der Bellen in Austria’s presidential elections marks a setback for the Eurosceptic, anti-establishment cause in Europe.The defeat of far-right candidate Norbert Hofer to the liberal, left-of-centre Alexander Van der Bellen in Austria’s presidential elections marks a setback for the Eurosceptic, anti-establishment cause in Europe.
After Britain’s shock vote to leave the EU and Donald Trump’s unexpected win in the US, insurgents across the continent, including Geert Wilders of the Dutch Freedom party and Marine Le Pen of France’s Front national, hailed upsets that, in Le Pen’s words, “made the impossible possible”.After Britain’s shock vote to leave the EU and Donald Trump’s unexpected win in the US, insurgents across the continent, including Geert Wilders of the Dutch Freedom party and Marine Le Pen of France’s Front national, hailed upsets that, in Le Pen’s words, “made the impossible possible”.
Today’s Austrian vote was seen as the first in a strong of upcoming tests for Europe, with a victory for Hofer likely to further embolden the populists in potentially pivotal presidential and parliamentary elections due in the Netherlands, France and Germany over the course of 12 months.Today’s Austrian vote was seen as the first in a strong of upcoming tests for Europe, with a victory for Hofer likely to further embolden the populists in potentially pivotal presidential and parliamentary elections due in the Netherlands, France and Germany over the course of 12 months.
For a more in-depth overview of what could still turn out to be a critical year for the future of the European project in its current form, you can have a look at my analysis of the issues facing the bloc, which was published yesterday.For a more in-depth overview of what could still turn out to be a critical year for the future of the European project in its current form, you can have a look at my analysis of the issues facing the bloc, which was published yesterday.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.36pm GMTat 5.36pm GMT