VIENNA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen on Friday officially gave the leader of Austria's center-right People's Party Sebastian Kurz the task of forming a new government.
Kurz was invited to the president's office after the vote count from Sunday's legislative election had been finalized on Thursday evening. The strongest party in the elections is given the task of trying to form a new government.
In a televised speech, Van der Bellen said as president he would keep an eye on the proceedings, to see that the best interests of Austrians are maintained. He said he placed importance on a number of issues, including European politics, integration, economy and the environment.
The president also said politics must "find a new dialogue and culture of trust," as well as a "culture of mutual respect," that includes objective dialogue with opposition parties.
In addition, he said Austria's role as a strong country at the heart of Europe, and a central member of the European Union (EU), must be maintained.
Kurz said it was important to him that Austria establish "a new political culture and a new political style."
Van der Bellen said the two leaders had agreed to stay in regular contact in the days and weeks ahead as coalition talks take place.
