Everything you need to know about 'Austria's Donald Trump' - the far-right candidate about to become president

On Monday afternoon, it is highly likely that far-right politician, Norbert Hofer, will be elected as the president of Austria.

Since the start of 2016, Hofer has risen from someone relatively unknown outside of political circles to taking 35% of votes in the first round of presidential elections, beating out all the establishment candidates, as well as independent Alexander Van der Bellen.

The election is now in a run-off between Hofer and Van der Bellen, with polls suggesting that it is neck and neck. Hofer, however, remains favourite.

Strictly speaking, Austria's presidency is a ceremonial role, but Hofer has vowed to put his limited powers to full use, and to try and extend his powers.

Austria may not be a major economic or political superpower, with a population of just 8.5 million people and a GDP of less than $450 billion - but if it elects a far-right leader, it will be a major watershed for Europe, whose nations have broadly steered clear of politicians too far right from the centre-ground since the atrocities of World War II.

But who is Norbert Hofer, and how did it come to be that he is so close to becoming one of the most important people in Austrian politics? Business Insider took a look.