Austria is on the verge of electing a 31-year-old. Does his age matter? | Stefan Stern
(The Guardian Austria)

World leaders seem to be getting younger. But whether youthful energy and verve can ever make up for lack of experience remains a vexed questionGrey power this is not. Sebastian Kurz, the 31-year-old leader of the conservative Austrian People´s Party (ÖVP), looks set to become the world´s youngest head of government after Sunday´s elections. The country of elegantly dressed, respectably middle-aged ladies and gentlemen has handed the keys of the Mercedes to a fresh-faced kid.Kurz may look young but he is not a new figure on the Austrian political scene. Four years ago he was made foreign minister. Clearly it was time for a new challenge if his career trajectory was to be maintained. Related: So the Tories want to be `cool´ to attract young people. They don´t understand | Abi Wilkinson According to some, at 50 you are still a youngster, with half your life ahead of you. But others see you as decrepit Continue reading...