The Guardian: Austria heading for September election after far-right video scandal
VIENNA (Reuters) - Austria’s president on Sunday recommended a new election be held in early September, saying he wanted to restore trust in the government after a video scandal led to the resignation of the vice chancellor.
Chancellor Sebastian Kurz pulled the plug on the coalition and called for a snap election on Saturday after his deputy, Heinz-Christian Strache, the leader of the far-right Freedom Party, quit over a video showed him discussing fixing state contracts in return for favors.
It is most important that Austrians are given the chance of a new start to rebuild trust in its government, President Alexander van der Bellen said in a statement at his Hofburg residence in Vienna.
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MIDDLE EAST
US warns that commercial airliners flying over the Gulf risk being misidentified and shot down as threat of a full-scale war with Iran looms ever larger.
FM Javad Zarif: We don't want war, and no one can confront Iran.
Iran is not pursuing war: Revolutionary Guards chief.
President Donald Trump 'does not want war with Iran'.
Saudi Foreign Ministry on Iran tensions: We don't want war but ready to respond.
Saudi Arabia calls urgent Gulf, Arab League meetings over tensions.
Saudi crown prince discusses regional developments with Pompeo: ministry.
Syrian state media: projectiles fired from Israeli territory.
Escalating violence in Syria’s Idlib Province could turn into bloodbath.
UAE calls for Arab unity at 'critical' time after tanker attacks.
Erdogan: West's economic manipulation will be thwarted after Istanbul vote re-run.
ASIA
China's top diplomat calls for U.S. restraint on trade, Iran.
Multiple casualties after U.S. airstrike in Afghanistan: report.
Australia's conservative government revels in 'miracle' re-election.
Australian Prime Minister Morrison's coalition surprisingly wins.
Tight security as Indians vote in final phase of mammoth election.
N. Korea demands UN action over ship seizure by 'gangster' US.
Dalai Lama lets slip how India vetoed his meeting with China’s leader in 2014.
Pakistan doctor held after more than 400 children test positive for HIV.
AFRICA
Libya govt boasts of new weapons despite arms embargo.
ISIL fighters kill LNA troops outside Libyan oilfield.
Sudan's military says talks to resume as barricades removed. Sudan army rulers say civil talks to resume as Islamists protest.
Sudanese commander says democratic elections are his goal.
Burkina Faso wracked by escalating violence.
Seeking votes, Malawi president vows to transform country.
In Angola's oil region, separatists accuse president of crackdown.
Arnold Schwarzenegger drop-kicked at South Africa event.
EUROPE
Austria chancellor calls for snap election after corruption scandal. Austrian government collapses as far right leader caught in video sting.
Angela Merkel says Europe needs to 'stand up' against far right as Austrian government falls.
Europe’s far-right leaders unite with a vow to ‘change history’.
May says Brexit legislation to have 'improved package of measures'.
UK Labour panics as remain voters switch to Liberal Democrats.
Swiss voters approve tighter gun control: TV. Swiss voters approve tax and pension overhaul: TV.
Kremlin waiting for U.S. decision on Putin-Trump meeting: Ifax.
The Netherlands wins the Eurovision Song Contest.
AMERICAS
Biden rejects Democrats’ anger in call for national unity.
GOP lawmaker: Trump has engaged in multiple actions that 'meet the threshold for impeachment'.
Argentine political fixer emerges from shadows to mount surprise presidential bid.
Argentina: Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner renounces presidential bid.
Canada vows 'full steam ahead' on ratifying trade pact after U.S. lifts metals tariffs.
Bolivia's Morales defies term limits, launches bid for fourth term.
Five foreign tourists killed in plane crash in Honduras.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
A Norwegian insurer says Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards are "highly likely" to have facilitated attacks on oil tankers.
Egypt calls on Qatar to end enforced disappearances.
Syria ex Al-Qaeda group seeks rivals' help to fight regime.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Global oil shipping concerns rise over Middle East tensions.
US-Iran tension: Exxon Mobil pulls out foreign staff from Iraqi oil field.
Boeing for the first time admits flaw in grounded 737 MAX simulator software after aircraft crashed twice within a few months killing 346 people.
