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New Austrian leaders say they support EU
By David Rising
Associated Press

BERLIN — The new Austrian government led by a conservative and a nationalist party is pledging to tighten the country’s asylum and immigration regulations while maintaining a firm commitment to the European Union, according to their coalition agreement released Saturday.

Under the deal reached late Friday night, Sebastian Kurz, head of the Austrian People’s Party, will become chancellor, which will make him Europe’s youngest leader when he is sworn in on Monday at age 31.

Right-wing Freedom Party leader Heinz-Christian Strache will be vice chancellor and minister for sports and public servants.

‘‘This can be the basis for real change in Austria,’’ Kurz told reporters, introducing the government program that runs more than 180 pages.

The document begins with a statement reinforcing Austria’s commitment to the EU and other international organizations, saying that no Brexit-like referendums would be allowed.

‘‘Only in a strong Europe can there also be a strong Austria, in which we are able to take advantage of the opportunities of the 21st century,’’ the document reads.

At the same time, the People’s Party-Freedom Party partnership is expected to move the country to the right. Both campaigned on the need for tougher immigration controls, quick deportations of asylum-seekers whose requests are denied, and a crackdown on radical Islam.

The coalition agreement calls for bolstering the country’s police forces with another 2,100 officers, as well as immigration policies that ‘‘can be sustained by the population.’’

It also says asylum should only be offered to people ‘‘for the duration of their persecution, who really need Austria’s help’’

Other points include ending illegal migration, cutting government bureaucracy, reducing taxes, and creating a new national climate and energy strategy.