Exploratory talks about the formation of a new government have begun in Austria following last Sunday’s parliamentary elections. Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen received Herbert Kickl, the leader of the right-wing populist Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), in the presidential chancellery on Friday. Neither commented after the meeting, but Kickl said he would make a statement on Saturday. His party won the biggest share of the vote – 29% – in the election. In Austria, the president appoints the chancellor, but first he must officially commission the formation of a government. Before d…