The flood of refugees that rolled over Europe in 2015 affected Austria more than any other country except its neighbor Germany. Today, Austrians go to the polls in parliamentary elections that could elevate a 31 year old nationalist to the chancellorship. Sebastian Kurz, the charismatic leader of the Austrian People's Party (OVP) left the coalition government with the Social Democrats when he was elevated to the party's top spot last May. The cause of the split was the ongoing debate over refugees in Austria, who have put a huge drain on government resources. Austria is a conservative Cathloic country and it's politics has been dominated by right of center parties since the end of World War II. But the tide of nationalism that has swept Europe has brought to the fore not only the OVP, but also the far right Freedom Party (FPO), which is also set to make large gains in the election. Reuters: Kurz says he will shut the main migrant routes into Europe, via the...(Read Full Post)