Austrian chancellor calls for unity on National Day

Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern has called for unity in the country during a speech to mark the festivities on the National Day on Wednesday.

"We will only move Austria forward if we hold together," he said at the proceedings held at the Heldenplatz in Vienna, marked this year by the absence of an elected president due to the postponement of the election.

Indirectly addressing comments from far-right Freedom Party leader Heinz-Christian Strache on Monday that a civil war in the country is "not unlikely," Kern said polarisation "sets us back," and that this must be overcome together, local media reported.

"The road to violent acts is short," he said, and further argued that in Austria, patriots are those "who bring the country forward together."

Concerning the European Union, Kern said its ability to solve great challenges is presently being tested. He argued that in recent months, too little has been done, but that there is no better way than the joint European project.

Earlier in the day, Kern and other political officials had conducted the traditional laying of a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier at the Burgtor.

Following that the procession shifted to the Heldenplatz, where President of the National Council Doris Bures took on the duty of swearing in 1,200 new army recruits, in place of a president who traditionally carries out this process. Endit