Austria could be next to opt for change as Europe waits

Norbert Hofer could become the EU's first far-right president (AP)

Norbert Hofer, vying to become the first freely elected far-right head of state in Europe since World War II, said opponents who repeatedly accused him of seeking a break with the European Union were themselves damaging Austria.

Mr Hofer had initially said Austria could follow Britain's vote on the EU with one of its own within a year. Although he quickly backed away from that suggestion, his opponent Alexander Van der Bellen has cited it as proof that Mr Hofer wants Austria to follow Britain's Brexit referendum with an "Oexit" vote of its own.