Far right Freedom Party wins Austria election

VIENNA,— Austrian voters delivered a general election win to the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) on Sunday, marking the first time in the nation’s history that the party has claimed victory at the national level. Preliminary results highlighted rising support for hard-right movements across Europe, driven by concerns over immigration and economic uncertainty.

The Eurosceptic FPO, known for its pro-Russia stance, led by Herbert Kickl, a divisive figure in Austrian politics, secured 28.8% of the vote. This result placed the FPO ahead of Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s conservative Austrian People’s Party (OVP), which garnered 26.3%, while the Social Democrats (SPO) took 21.1%. The results were based on projections from pollster Foresight for the national broadcaster ORF, showing a slightly larger margin than initially anticipated by final polls.

Kickl, celebrating the party’s performance, emphasized the significance of the FPO’s rise to the top of Austrian politics. “We’ve made history today,” he said, pointing to how far the Freedom Party had come since its founding in the 1950s under the leadership of a former Nazi lawmaker. The party, long associated with far-right ideals, has spent decades reshaping its image and expanding its voter base. Despite efforts to moderate its public persona, Kickl remains a highly polarizing figure.

Kickl’s leadership now faces a significant hurdle in coalition negotiations, as leaders of other major parties swiftly dismissed any possibility of forming an alliance with the FPO while he remains in charge. The ruling OVP has hinted at potential cooperation with the Freedom Party, but has explicitly ruled out working with Kickl himself. He has shown no indication of stepping aside, leaving the FPO’s prospects of forming a government uncertain.

Seat projections suggest a narrow path to power for the OVP and SPO, Austria’s two traditional political powerhouses, which could theoretically form a coalition without the need for a third party. While this alliance had previously seemed unlikely, the election results have reshaped the political landscape and opened the door to new possibilities.

Kickl’s victory has been warmly welcomed by hard-right parties across Europe, further reflecting the growing influence of far-right movements throughout the continent. Similar parties in the Netherlands, France, and Germany have made significant gains in recent years, driven by a combination of anti-immigration sentiment and skepticism toward the European Union. This trend has raised concerns about the potential for deeper divisions within the EU, particularly on issues like sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine.

Political observers have described the election as a critical moment for Austria. “This is a major turning point in the Second Republic,” said political analyst Thomas Hofer, referring to Austria’s post-World War II political era. The FPO’s victory represents a significant shift in the country’s political dynamics, regardless of whether Kickl succeeds in forming a government.

If Kickl were to become chancellor, Austria’s role within the European Union could change drastically. Kathrin Stainer-Haemmerle, a political science professor at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, emphasized the potential consequences of such a development, noting that Austria’s relationship with the EU would be “significantly different.” Kickl has often spoken favorably of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, signaling that he might adopt a similarly confrontational stance toward Brussels if he were to take power.

Kickl has also made no secret of his opposition to EU sanctions on Russia, which he claims harm Austria more than they impact Moscow. His stance against providing aid to Ukraine aligns him with other far-right leaders across Europe who are more sympathetic to Russia’s actions.

Despite these challenges, Kickl expressed a willingness to engage in coalition talks with all parties. President Alexander Van der Bellen, who is responsible for overseeing the formation of Austria’s government, urged all political parties to seek common ground in the coming weeks. Van der Bellen, a former leader of the Greens, has previously expressed reservations about the FPO due to its criticisms of the European Union and its failure to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

On the streets, reactions to the FPO’s victory were mixed. A small group of protesters gathered outside the party’s election celebrations, with one demonstrator holding a sign that read, “Kickl is a Nazi.” The Freedom Party continues to face controversies tied to its past, including a recent scandal in which members were shown attending a funeral where a Nazi-era song was sung. The incident led to a formal complaint by a Jewish student group in Vienna, accusing party members of violating Austria’s anti-Nazi laws.

The FPO’s strong stance on immigration continues to resonate with many voters, a key factor in the party’s success. The party has called for the end of asylum in Austria and advocates for a “fortress Austria” to prevent further migration into the country. “Some of these people are given everything they want, and they take advantage of it,” said Marcel Sztrelko, a 44-year-old warehouse worker who supported the FPO in the election. He believes Austria has failed to properly integrate refugees and that stricter immigration policies are needed.

As coalition negotiations move forward, the weeks ahead will be pivotal in shaping Austria’s political future and its position within Europe. The potential formation of a government under Kickl’s leadership would represent a significant departure from Austria’s postwar political consensus and could have lasting implications for the country’s relationship with the European Union.

(With files from Reuters)