Alexander Van der Bellen celebrates with supporters at a post-election event in Vienna on December 4.
Paris, France:
Europe mostly breathed a sigh of relief on Sunday as far-right anti-EU candidate Norbert Hofer conceded defeat to greens-backed independent Alexander Van der Bellen in the Austrian presidential re-run election.
Here is some of the reaction:
European Union
"At a time when we are faced with many difficult challenges, the continued constructive contribution of Austria to finding common European solutions and keeping our European unity will remain essential," EU Council head Donald Tusk said in a statement.
Van der Bellen's "victory is a heavy defeat of nationalism and anti-European, backward-looking populism," said European Parliament president Martin Schulz in a tweet.
France
"The Austrian people have chosen Europe and open-mindedness," said socialist President Francois Hollande.
"Populism is not Europe's fate," socialist Prime Minister Manuel Valls added.
"Congratulations to the FPOe which fought bravely. The next elections will be theirs," far-right anti-EU National Front leader Marine Le Pen wrote on Twitter, referring to Hofer's defeated party.
Greece
"The victory of the forces of progress in Austria is like oxygen for Europe that is threatened by the rise of the far-right," left-wing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Twitter.
Germany
"If the first results are confirmed this will be a good omen against populism in Europe," Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier of the Social Democratic Party said. "In this particular situation Europe is facing, we are urgently in need of good news."
Austria
"I am glad this election is over. I am convinced Van der Bellen will be a great partner for open-minded, future-focused politics of opportunities and hope," said Chancellor Christian Kern of the Social Democrats.
Here is some of the reaction:
European Union
"At a time when we are faced with many difficult challenges, the continued constructive contribution of Austria to finding common European solutions and keeping our European unity will remain essential," EU Council head Donald Tusk said in a statement.
Van der Bellen's "victory is a heavy defeat of nationalism and anti-European, backward-looking populism," said European Parliament president Martin Schulz in a tweet.
France
"The Austrian people have chosen Europe and open-mindedness," said socialist President Francois Hollande.
"Populism is not Europe's fate," socialist Prime Minister Manuel Valls added.
"Congratulations to the FPOe which fought bravely. The next elections will be theirs," far-right anti-EU National Front leader Marine Le Pen wrote on Twitter, referring to Hofer's defeated party.
Greece
"The victory of the forces of progress in Austria is like oxygen for Europe that is threatened by the rise of the far-right," left-wing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Twitter.
Germany
"If the first results are confirmed this will be a good omen against populism in Europe," Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier of the Social Democratic Party said. "In this particular situation Europe is facing, we are urgently in need of good news."
Austria
"I am glad this election is over. I am convinced Van der Bellen will be a great partner for open-minded, future-focused politics of opportunities and hope," said Chancellor Christian Kern of the Social Democrats.
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