Far-right surge in Vienna polls

THE far-right resurged in local elections in Vienna, the Austrian capital, securing the biggest gains in votes and mandates following a campaign laced with anti-Islamic rhetoric.

With only absentee ballots left to be counted, the anti-immigration Freedom Party won 28 seats in the regional parliament – up from 13.

“With a hand on my heart, I am deeply grateful for the confidence the Viennese have given me ,” said Freedom Party chief Heinz-Christian Strache.