welcome to bbc news — broadcasting to viewers in north america and around the globe. my name is reged ahmad. our top stories: a snap election is called in austria — after a corruption scandal causes the far—right party leader to resign. could it even be an outright majority? australia's centre—right are closing in on a surprise election victory. merkel‘s message — voters need to stop populist leaders destroying core european values on corruption and minorities. and the netherlands wins the eurovision song contest for the first time in over a0 years.

hello and welcome to bbc news. "enough is enough" — that's the verdict of austria's chancellor sebastian kurz who has dramatically pulled the plug on his governing coalition and called a snap election. it follows a scandal involving his deputy, the leader of the right wing freedom party. heinz — christian strache quit over an undercover video which appears to show him discussing government contracts with a russian investor. our vienna correspondent, bethany bell reports. this is the video that brought down a government. the man in the grey t—shirt is heinz—christian strache, who's just resigned as austria's vice chancellor. in this footage from 2017, he's seen talking to a woman who was posing as the niece of a russian oligarch. he seems to suggest she could be awarded public construction contracts in return for political and financial support.

now, mr strache has stepped down, saying his behaviour was stupid, irresponsible and a mistake. translation: it was a typical alcohol—fuelled macho behaviour in which yes, i also wanted to impress the attractive female host and i behaved like a bragging teenager and embarrassingly overreacted. mr strache denies any criminal wrongdoing for his coalition partner, chancellor sebastian kurz, the video was the last straw. he's called for new elections. translation: i have nonetheless stayed, not ending the coalition over the first misconduct, but after yesterday's video, i must say, honestly, enough is enough. austria's president alexander van der bellen, condemned the video. translation: these are shameful pictures and nobody should be

ashamed of austria. i want to say it very clear, we are not like that, this is not austria. several thousand people gathered outside the chancellery in vienna to protest against the freedom party which up till now has been one of europe's most successful anti—immigrant movements. but now, just a few days before the eu elections, its future is in question. bethany bell, bbc news. the governing centre — right coalition in australia is closing in on a surprise majority in the general election. the prime minister scott morrison called the result a miracle, as the party had been trailing in polls. with a handful of seats yet to declare, the liberal national party are just two seats short of the seventy—six needed to control parliament. the opposition labour leader bill shorten has resigned. hywel griffith's report, contains some flash photography.

he wasn't expected to last a year as prime minister, but scomo, as his party calls him, has secured an unlikely victory. scott morrison's known in australia as the man who brought a lump of coal into parliament. a fan of fossil fuels, the country, it seems, has embraced him and what he stands for. i'm standing with the three biggest miracles if my life here tonight. cheering and applause. and tonight we've been delivered another one! cheering and applause. chanting. this election had been billed as a generational shift. young people put climate change at the centre of the debate, demanding no new coal mines be opened but the tide turned towards the liberals. despite two years trailing behind labor in the polls, it's on course to form a government. i think scomo has come

above and he's brought the people with him so here we are. it was an amazing victory for the silent majority. against the odds, against all the opinion polls, scott morrison has delivered for his party and he has done it largely alone. many of his cabinet members were seen as simply too toxic to campaign alongside him. this victory is all about scomo. and it's one that means australia's habit of chopping and changing prime ministers should end, for now at least. hywel griffith, bbc news, sydney. climate change was a key issue in the election. kelly o'shanassy is the ceo of the australian conservation foundation. climate change was meant to be the defining issue in the selection,

especially as we have seen those extreme weather patterns in australia. and yet, arguably the party with the least focus on climate change policy has one. it's ha rd to climate change policy has one. it's hard to understand exactly what is happening and what happened yesterday, we know that climate is a top issue and people were saying that in polls, they were saying that when we have conversations with them, that did not translate into a vote, not everywhere. in some places are dead and there are certainly independents that one because of their climate policy but we've got a real challenge in this country that we are concerned about climate change and the damage it is causing, that we can see, but we are not looking to change our government to deliver on that. but does it suggest that when it comes down to, for australians, a decision between the economy and money that comes from coal and fossil fuels or climate change, people will choose the

economy? it's more complicated than that. the selection was much more about the presidential style election, it was between the two leaders, there are many issues going on in the selection. we do have to get away from this issue that its economy versus the environment because we know with renewable energy we can have earth outcomes. we do need our political parties to be talking about that and to be honest, most of the discussion between the political parties was the cost of action, not the cost of inaction and the opportunity to produce take action. we have seen climate change policies take centre stage before, aside with the former labour backpay minister, kevin rudd resort issues with the former liberal per minister, do you think the message is going to be sent to parties in the future? you can't win elections on climate policy, it's not possible. that's a great question and we need to analyse that

a little bit more but i'm actually not sure it's that simple because what we know is all of these kids that are striking across the world, in our country as well, will be voting age in various titles of the —— the damage of climate change will be likely to occur, with some other toil shifts, loss of support for some the broad members in inner—city areas that are traditional liberal seats that got a reduced vote because people are concerned about climate change on a number of independents. i actually think that the liberal party who won yesterday and the national party, they will have to think about the climate policies if they want to win the next election because it is going to have an electoral impact, itjust didn't have the full impact that we wa nted didn't have the full impact that we wanted in the selection. —— this election. let's get some of the day's other news. thousands of chileans have

been on the streets, calling for the recreational use of marijuana to be legalised. the cultivate your rights protesters say they want the growing, distribution, and consumption of cannabis to be made easier. chile legalised the use of medical marijuana four years ago. the final phase of voting in india's general election is underway with fifty nine seats at stake. among them are kolkata and the city of varanasi in the northern state of uttar pradesh which is currently held by the prime minister narendra modi. today's voting draws to an end six weeks of elections and a long, bruising campaign. the former argentine president, cristina fernandez de kirchner, says she'll run as a vice—presidential candidate in national elections later this year. ms fernandez was widely expected to run for the top job, but has chosen her former chief of staff, alberto fernandez, as the party's top candidate. german chancellor, angela merkel, has hit back at populist politicians.

she said that europe needs to fight back against nationalism. her comments came on the same day that leaders of far right parties across europe spoke at a rally in milan, led by italian deputy prime minister matteo salvini. he and his fellow speakers at the rally promised to reshape the continent after the eu parliamentary election later this month. ramzan karmali reports. it was a show of force by italy's deputy bannister. he was alone for a rally, drumming up support for next week's european elections. he had invited far right are nationalist leaders and mps from 11 other countries across europe. they are all united under an anti— migrant, anti— islam and anti— bureaucracy banner. they are seeking historic results in these elections, in their bid to transform european politics. translation: on the 26th of may, we will bring this revolution

of common sense throughout europe. on the 26th of may, we will return power to the peoples. on the 26th, with us, europe will raise its head. long live italy, long live france, and long live the nations of europe. the organiser of the events told the bbc‘s ros atkins who he's backing in the uk. what did you say about mr farage? i am waiting for him. would you like him in your coalition? yeah, the new european parliament. but he wants to leave the european union. you think he should? forthe moment, he is in. do you hope he stays? we can work together, we can work together, i hope. on which issues? the economy, immigration? both. even though these parties are nationalist in their nature, unlike mr farage's brexit party in the uk, most want to stay in the european union. there are also differing

attitudes towards russia from these populist leaders. but they'll want change in the way the eu is run. germany's chancellor angela merkel and other european leaders came under attack by matteo salvini. he said they had betrayed the continent by constructing a europe of finance and uncontrolled immigration. but the german leader hit back, speaking at a rally in croatia. translation: being proud of one's homeland and building europe at the same time is not a contradiction. nationalism is the enemy of the european project. and this, my european friends, is what we have to make clear before the elections. around 2000 marched in milan against salvini and his fellow populist politicians, though they were clearly outnumbered by those who had come to support the deputy prime minister. however, more demonstrations against the far right have been planned across europe.

politics is never far away in the eurovision song contest and this year's event held in israel has been no exception. the netherlands and duncan laurence came top of the leaderboard after a dramatic public vote. this report from david sillito in tel aviv does contain some flashing images. from tel aviv, israel, this is the grand final of the eurovision song contest, 2019! it was from the beginning trademark eurovision — inside the auditorium. chanting: taking part in eurovision means you join a racist mission. but in amongst the throngs of fans, there were also protests and argument that because of israel's actions in the occupied territories, it should not be hosting the eurovision song contest. i think the world should not allow israel to host events like this because having events like the eurovision here is masking away the reality of the occupation. and the heavy security a reminder

of the israel that wasn't on show. and in jerusalem there were chaotic scenes. a police charge against religious protesters. they were objecting to eurovision taking place on thejewish sabbath. but inside the event, where there had been fears of protest, it all passed off peacefully. and with some considerable spectacle. this swaying performance from australia. # when you call my name, it's like a little prayer... the interval act, madonna, had faced some criticism for playing israel. but there were some doubts about whether this was a douze pas performance. the thing that brings all these people here tonight is music. so let's never underestimate the power of music to bring people together.

meanwhile, the uk's michael rice performed with gusto, but once again it wasn't to be the uk's night. instead, the winner, the netherlands. # loving you is a losing game. # all i know, all i know... there were claims that there were going to be protests during the contest. but in the end nothing transpired, at least nothing visible to the tv cameras. the icelandic band hatari had qualms about playing in tel aviv and when the camera cut to them there was a brief glimpse of a palestinian flag scarf. but when it comes to protest, that is all we had. however, when it comes to the music, a good night for the bookies. the netherlands was always the odds—on favourite to win tonight. and it proved to be. for the uk — well, once again, another disappointing night at the eurovision

song contest. david sillito at the eurovision song contest. stay with us on bbc world news, still to come: one of the world's toughest races — the great wall marathon — brings competitors to their knees. this morning an indian airforce the plane carrying mr gandhi's body landed in delhi. the president of india walked to the plane to solemnly witness mr gandhi's final return from the political battlefield. ireland has voted overwhelmingly in favour of gay marriage. in doing so it has become the first country in the world to approve the change in a national referendum. it was a remarkable climax to what was surely the most extraordinary funeral ever given to a pop singer. it has been a peaceful funeral demonstration so far but suddenly the police are tear gassing the crowd. we don't yet know why.

the pre—launch ritual is well established here. helen was said to be in good spirits butjust a little apprehensive. in the last hour, east timor has become the world's newest nation. it was a bloody birth for a poor country and the challenges ahead are daunting but for now, at least, it is time to celebrate. this is bbc world news. the latest headlines: the chancellor of austria will meet the country's president later to ask for a snap election. it follows the resignation of the leader of his far—right coalition allies over corruption allegations. vote counting has resumed in australia's election, with the centre—right government just two seats short of an outright majority in parliament and several seats yet to declare. we heard earlier about european

politics and nowhere is it more turbulent right now than in the uk. the british prime minister theresa may has said she will be making "a bold new offer" when the government puts her brexit plan before the house of commons for a final time next month. but the opposition brexit spokesman, sir keir starmer has called on mrs may to offer mps the option of another referendum. here's our political correspondent ben wright. a forlorn campaign launch on friday for european elections theresa may didn't want to happen. next thursday, we will be holding european elections. but soldiering on, mrs may now says she will ask mps to vote on a new and improved brexit plan. on tuesday, the cabinet will discuss changes to the brexit bill she hopes will win over labour mps despite the collapse of cross party talks yesterday, and theresa may

will make a speech on her strategy later in the week. but power is draining from the prime minister and tory critics say any changes to the bill would be meaningless. you can watch the movie titanic a hundred times but i'm afraid the ship sinks every time. so if you're going to bring back this deal and it still has the backstop in it, then the dup aren't going to support it and now an increasing number of conservative mps, even those who voted for it the second and third time, are saying, enough is enough. it's this man, campaigning in essex today, giving conservatives nightmares. polls suggest the brexit party is set to do very well in the european elections on thursday. applause. jeremy corbyn was also out and about. yesterday he said labour would carefully consider any new proposals brought forward by the government, but his party is deeply split too with its brexit spokesman insisting number 10 must offer another

referendum to win labour's backing for the bill. we do need to break the impasse and one way to do that is for the government to put public vote option on the face of the withdrawal agreement bill that it proposes to bring back in just a few weeks' time. and with the unofficial contest to replace theresa may already revving up, the prime minister's promise of a bold next move to break the deadlock seems optimistic and very late in the day. ben wright, bbc news. as we have been talking about, the indian elections, the final phase of voting is under way with 59 seats at sta ke. voting is under way with 59 seats at stake. among those is the city of va ra stake. among those is the city of vara nasi which is currently held by the prime minister, narendra modi. in the last few minutes he has appeared to cast his own vote. he was greeted by supporters of his internationalist party, the bjp,.

today's voting draws to an end six weeks of elections and a long, bruising campaign. manchester city have won the fa cup. alongside their premier league and carab—ow cup wins, they've won an unprecedented domestic treble this season. in a one—sided match at wembley they beat watford 6—0. david ornstein reports. manchester city have won the lot this season! the completion of an unprecedented mission. manchester city going where none of their rivals have gone before. they came in tens of thousands to witness something unique, a city clean sweep or watford's first major trophy. it's a huge day. it has been 35 years. several winners. the pre—match much fervour felt entirely fitting. # abide with me... the music, the colour, and the blazing lights, stage set for a meeting of such magnitude. watford knew they needed to quickly find a rhythm, and they did. though even quicker

was city's keeper. super save by ederson! the hornets haunted, how painful would approve? well, very. city's brilliance shows no bounds. david silva with the chance. here they were doing something not even the great manchester united team of 1990 managed, nor the arsenal invincibles of 2004, even when pushed all the way by liverpool in the premier league. in a season when there's an all english lineup in the finals, city's achievement is simply extraordinary. three trophies going into the manchester city cabinet. the wealth gap between these sides is enormous. city could yet face severe sanctions for allegedly breaking financial rules and over the signing of young players. here the footballing gulf was brutally exposed. the gloss supplied by raheem sterling.

city have six! never has an fa cup final seen a bigger margin of victory. it's the best team in the world for me. to set such a high standard for such a long period of time. i am talking two years running. what a team, what a privilege. an incredible year for us. incredible. for the organisation, all the people, a big congratulations. especially for the players, of course, they are the reason we have one. their feet finished with one last climb — up to the royal box to seal a regal triumph. vincent kompany lifting the prize and his club to a dizzying height. well, manchester cityjust get better and better. they're collecting silverware at a rate english football has rarely seen. this was the day they made history. and by the looks of it they're hungry for even more. david ornstein, bbc news, wembley.

the marathon is just about the most arduous test for any runner. a shade over 26 miles — that's around 42 kilometres — it's tough enough on a flat surface — but imagine having to run it on top of the great wall of china? the bbc‘s tim allman explains. there are marathons, and then there are marathons. this is about as gruelling as it gets. but hey, the scenery is not bad. nearly 700 competitors from dozens of different countries took part in this year's full marathon. there were plenty of ups and downs, and there were steps. lots and lots of steps. it's the most stupid idea i've ever had in my life. this is knackering. quite. but there were officials along the way offering moral support. do your best! yay! these may be the single most dispiriting words in the english

language: "half way." half way, depending on where you are going. eventually, after mile after mile of pain and exhaustion, tears and sweat, the finishing line came into sight. everything i hoped it would be. brutal. the wall was fun, lots of climbing and resistance, the toughest race i've ever done, once you get to that line it's amazing. i had to crawl on my hands on my knees, i thought i was going to throw up. then i saw the girl who got second, i saw her behind me and i thought, i'd better pick up the pace so that she doesn't catch me. the great wall of china may not have been able to hold back the mongol hordes but it's still pretty tough. it requires a lot of commitment. now for the weather.

hello there. many of us had a pretty cloudy day yesterday weather wise. it was in scotland and northern ireland where the weather wasn't just cloudy, it turned out to be quite wet and cool. the skies looked like this. further south, the cloud did breakup. we got a little bit of sunshine. but that just sent these big shower clouds towering up through the skies around in the greater london area. the radar picture still shows we have patches of rain around across parts of scotland, northern ireland as well. but the showers we had across england and wales have largely cleared out of the way. that said, you can still see some passing showers working into the coastline of sussex and kent over the next few hours. further north, that's where the cloudiest weather will be. there will also be mist and fog patches around in the next few hours across eastern scotland into northern part of northern ireland, particularly into the hills. and perhaps across parts of the east midlands and east anglia turning quite murky as well. all in all, for sunday morning, it's a cloudy, grey start to the day

one way or the other. the cloud will slowly break to give some bright or sunny spells. but as the weather tries to brighten up, and it will be a slow process across scotland and northern ireland, we will start to see some showers breakup. the showers mostly really get going as we head through sunday afternoon. they will come along in batches. across eastern scotland showers are quite widespread. a few over the mountains elsewhere as well. in—between those downpours, a bit more brightness, it won't feel quite as cool with temperatures up to 16 in glasgow. a few showers popping up in northern ireland as well. for wales and western areas of england, i fancy it will be a largely dry day. but there will be a line of heavy showers working in across the midlands, central and southern england, and parts of southern england as well. those showers heavy, thundery,

and slow—moving in nature. beyond that, for the week ahead, we will continue to see showers through monday and tuesday as well. some sunshine between. but later in the week low pressure will bring some slightly stronger winds and the threat of some rain. monday starts off in a similar kind of vein weather wise. a lot of cloud around and we will see some showers building, particularly through the afternoon, some of those heavy and thuggery. it could occur almost anywhere. some heavy ones for northern ireland as we go through the afternoon. in between, the wind is very light. in any sunshine temperatures coming up. showery over the next few days. highs of 17 in edinburgh and i9 for cardiff, and into the low 20s around the greater london area. but then towards the end of the week probably thickening cloud threatening rain for some of us and the winds picking up as well. that's your latest weather. goodbye for now.

this is bbc news, the headlines: austria's chancellor, sebastian kurz, will meet the country's president later on sunday to ask for a snap election. it follows corruption allegations laid against the leader of the far—right freedom party. he was caught on video allegedly making promises to a russian investor in return for political support. vote counting has resumed in australia's general election which has delivered a surprise win to the governing centre right coalition. with a few seats yet to declare, scott morrison's liberal national party are just two short of an outright majority in parliament. the opposition labour party has admitted defeat. german chancellor, angela merkel, has hit back at populist politicians. she said that europe needs to fight back against nationalism. her comments came on the same day that leaders of far right parties across europe spoke at a rally in milan, led by italian deputy prime minister matteo salvini. 4:30 in the morning

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