What it’s about
Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) made history by winning its first parliamentary election, securing around 29% of the vote. Despite this victory, the FPO now faces the challenge of finding a coalition partner to form a government.
Why it matters
The FPO’s win marks a significant milestone for far-right parties in Europe, reflecting a broader trend of increasing support for anti-establishment movements. This development has potential implications for European Union policies, such as the defense of Ukraine against Russia.
Context
FPO leader Herbert Kickl experienced resistance from other party leaders immediately after the election results. The FPO was about 2.5 percentage points ahead of Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s conservative People’s Party (OVP), yet coalition discussions with other parties seem unlikely at this stage.
Statements
“Tomorrow there will be a blue Monday and then we will set about turning that 29% into a political reality in this country,” Kickl announced, referring to his party’s symbolic color.
Leadership Landscape
President Alexander Van der Bellen, who oversees government formations, urged all parties to engage in discussions, though he hinted the process might be prolonged. Meanwhile, other European far-right leaders celebrated FPO’s win.
Potential Risks
European history shows that victories for far-right parties often don’t translate into power as other parties tend to isolate them. Examples include France’s National Rally and the Netherlands’ nationalist leader Geert Wilders, who saw similar initial success followed by failures to form governments.
Public Opinion and Prospects
The FPO’s victory could challenge Austria’s position as a democratic state. While supporters believe the party’s hardline stances on issues like immigration will benefit the economy, critics fear a slide towards authoritarianism. Kickl’s provocative nature and controversial views add to these concerns.
Looking Ahead
The OVP has signaled some openness to a coalition with the FPO, but Nehammer has ruled out government participation under Kickl. If Kickl fails to establish a coalition, an alliance between the OVP and Social Democrats remains possible. Political analyst Thomas Hofer suggests other parties’ reluctance to work with Kickl may actually bolster his anti-establishment image.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.