Austria’s Chancellor Sebastian Kurz faces being removed from office in a no-confidence vote on Monday afternoon. His previous coalition ally, the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), said it would support the motion being brought by the opposition Social Democrats.

The FPÖ had become embroiled in a political scandal caused by a secret video, which ended the coalition. If Mr Kurz is forced out, a new chancellor would lead a caretaker government ahead of elections. They are expected in September. Mr Kurz, head of the conservative Austrian People’s Party, could become the first chancellor in post-war Austrian history to be removed from office in this way. At 32, he is the world’s youngest state leader.

There will be two no-confidence votes, one against the government and the other against Mr Kurz individually. The motions have been submitted by the opposition Social Democrats, with the debate due to begin at 13:00 (11:00 GMT). But they only have 52 seats in the 183-seat lower chamber. Unfortunately for Mr Kurz, the FPÖ has signalled it will back the motion, and it has 51 seats. A majority is all that is needed in the votes.(BBC)…[+]