Haider threatens to paralyse EU

FROM NIGEL GLASS IN VIENNA

AND MARTIN FLETCHER IN BRUSSELS

Within hours of the formation of the new Austrian Government, the most right-wing in Europe since the end of the Second World War, Jörg Haider yesterday threatened to bring the European Union to a standstill by wielding the country's veto at every chance. The leader of the Freedom Party, whose place in the governing coalition has provoked protests around the world, declared that the 14 EU countries had made a serious "tactical error" in condemning the make-up of the new Government. "All the others will have to sit down at the table with us because otherwise there won't be any decisions and conclusions in Europe," he said.

As riot police attempted to control thousands of demonstrators on the streets of Vienna and other Austrian cities, a grim-faced President Thomas Klestil swore in the new coalition Government, which includes six members of the Freedom Party. The US and Israel immediately withdrew their Ambassadors in protest. The 14 member states of the EU have suspended all bilateral political relations with Austria and Herr Haider's threat caused anger in Brussels. A spokesman said the European Commission regretted such "provocative statements". If he won coalition support to carry out his threat, Herr Haider could cause huge damage to the EU. As a member state, Austria enjoys a veto in many key areas.

Herr Haider chose not to be in the Cabinet, but he will effectively govern via the ministries under his party's control, including Defence, Finance, Justice and Social Affairs. The People's Party leader, Wolfgang Schüssel, became Chancellor. His deputy is the Freedom Party MP Susanne Riess-Passer. She is famous for her clean-up of corruption in the Salzburg branch of the party, where she gained the nickname "King Cobra".

The new Foreign Minister, Benita Ferrero-Waldner of the people's party, said she thought the EU members were over-reacting. She understood their concerns but asked critics to "give this government a chance".

http://www.the-times.co.uk/news/pages/Times/frontpage.html?1124027