Austrian rightists appear poised for gains

VIENNA, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Austrian voters headed to the polls Sunday as analysts predicted the country's far right had a good chance of becoming part of a new ruling coalition.

Only 18 months after a coalition of the Social Democrats and the Conservative People's Party formed what had promised to be a stable Austrian government, it fell apart in acrimony and forced early elections. Now, EuroNews.net reports that analysts say coalition talks involving far right parties will be inevitable.

Werner Faymann's Social Democrat Party held a small lead in the Austrian polls going into Sunday, but appeared likely to cede more seats to Wilhelm Molterer's Conservative People's Party, the Web site reported. If Molterer ends up getting more votes, he could turn to Heinz-Christian Strache's rightist Freedom Party and political ally Jorg Haider to form a coalition government.

But, EuroNews.net noted, the last time the Conservatives and rightists governed together, Europe reacted by imposing sanctions on Austria, which might give them pause this time.