In his first speech since beating rightwing rival Norbert Hofer in election, Alexander Van der Bellen rejects nationalism

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Austria’s new president has called for a tolerant and diverse nation, free of ideological and racial hatred, in an inauguration speech on Thursday that embraced the ideal of a united Europe.

Alexander Van der Bellen outlined a markedly different vision from that offered during campaigning by his rightwing rival Norbert Hofer, the populist he defeated last month after an unprecedented repeat vote.

Hofer had campaigned on a law and order platform in line with his Freedom Party’s (FPÖ) opposition to Muslim immigration, focus on Austrians first and depiction of the EU as an out-of-touch institution damaging the sovereignty of national states.

By contrast, the left-leaning Van der Bellen rejected nationalism on Thursday in favour of a “common Europe as a project of peace”. He called for equal treatment for all Austrians, whether “their families have lived here for generations or not … whether they love men or women, or whether they are men or women”.

The presidency is a mostly symbolic post in Austria, but Van der Bellen’s victory was welcomed by established European political parties fearful of the next possible victory for populists after Donald Trump’s presidential election win in the US and the Brexit vote.

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While acknowledging that “change … also generates fear,” Van der Bellen, 73, said Austrians had to embrace a rapidly evolving world, saying: “Confidence is stronger than doubt.”

He also noted the need to never forget the “darkest side of our Austria” , referring to the country’s role in the second world war. His comments came ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day on Friday, which marks the 72nd anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp.

Van der Bellen’s inauguration was attended by legislators from all parties. Hofer, one of three presidents of the Austrian parliament, joined in the applause for the new president, breaking ranks with most of the other members of the FPÖ.