The leader of the anti-immigration, pro-Russia Freedom Party has been given the chance to try to form a government after months of coalition talks among mainstream parties collapsed.

The leader of Austria’s Freedom Party received a mandate Monday to form a new government, which would be the first headed by the far right since World War II if he succeeds.

VIENNA, Austria — A party that advocates an end to economic sanctions against Russia and has called for the “re-migration of uninvited foreigners” could soon give Austria its first government led by the far right since World War II, with a leader who has a provocative style at its helm.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has asked the leader of the country's far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) to form a new ruling coalition in what could yield the first far-right-led government in Austria since World War Two.

The Freedom Party was tasked with trying to form the nation’s first far-right-led government since World War II, adding to the trend of anti-immigrant and populist parties gaining ground across Europe.

His design was criticized as banal and beneath its subject. It was also praised for fitting seamlessly into hallowed space on the National Mall.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, seen by many as the most pro-Russia leader of any EU country, hailed a “historic victory” for the Freedom Party after Austria’s elections in September. Dutch right-wing leader Geert Wilders said his movement was “winning” in Europe.