News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Alexander-Van-der-Bellen-main_article_image.jpg
AP Photo/Ronald Zak
World News

Austria: Church calls for reconciliation after tight election

On Monday it was confirmed Alexander Van der Bellen, the leader of Austria's Green Party, won the election by just 0.6% of the votes.

He beat Norbert Hofer of the Freedom Party, who would have become the first far right president in Europe since the Second World War.

AP Photo/Ronald Zak
Norbert Hofer, Freedom Party

Mr Hofer had been narrowly ahead of Mr Van der Bellen, a Greens politician running as an independent, after the counting of votes cast on Sunday.

But around 700,000 postal ballots still remained to be counted on Monday, and those numbers swung the victory to Mr Van der Bellen.

Only a little more than 31,000 votes separated the two, out of more than 4.6 million ballots cast.

AP Photo/Ronald Zak
Alexander Van der Bellen, winner of Austria's presidential election

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna told Kath Press: "The new president must try to unite the country.

"The election campaign has caused strong polarization, not only in society, but also in the Church.

"Given the very close election result, it is particularly important that the new President unites over that which divides us."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate