Norbert Hofer, the candidate for the Freedom Party of Austria, conceded defeat on Sunday after losing the election to independent candidate Alexander Van der Bellen.

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In a statement posted on Facebook, Hofer said he was “incredibly sad it didn’t work out,” according to CNN.

“I would have loved to look after Austria. I congratulate Alexander Van der Bellen to his success and ask all Austrians to stick together," he wrote. "We are all Austrians, no matter what we decided today. Long live our home Austria."

Van der Bellen is seen as an establishment-friendly, internationalist-minded leader, according to the BBC, which notes the role of president is largely ceremonial.

According to CNN, Van der Bellen gave a speech on Austrian state TV where he said he “campaigned for a pro-European Austria.”

"I will actively speak to all voters, including those of Hofer's party. They have real concerns that have to be taken seriously by the president,” he said.

Austria’s president-elect has criticized American president-elect Donald Trump, saying, "His campaign style, the sexist attacks were unacceptable."

But, "let's give him several months,” Van de Bellen said, according to the BBC.

Hofer previously suggested that Austria hold a referendum on whether to remain part of the European Union, but walked it back, according to the BBC.

The election comes as far-right parties gain traction in European politics. France and Germany will hold elections in 2017, with both countries expected to put up nationalist candidates.