Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) has achieved a significant electoral victory, with leader Herbert Kickl proclaiming it as the start of a “new era.”
The FPÖ garnered 29.2% of the vote, surpassing the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) which secured 26.5%, according to provisional results. Kickl hailed voters for their “optimism, courage, and trust,” celebrating the historic nature of the win.
This triumph follows a broader trend of far-right successes across Europe, with the FPÖ’s victory coming after major gains for similar movements in Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany. Despite this win, the FPÖ remains far short of a majority, holding 58 seats in the 183-seat parliament.
Forming a government may prove difficult for Kickl. The incumbent Chancellor Karl Nehammer of the ÖVP has ruled out working with him, citing Kickl’s endorsement of conspiracy theories.
The Social Democrats, Greens, and Neos have also ruled out a coalition with the far-right, leaving few options for the FPÖ. The only viable coalition appears to be with the conservatives, but Kickl’s divisive image remains a hurdle.
President Alexander Van der Bellen, who oversees government formation, is likely to have reservations about granting Kickl a mandate to form a coalition. The FPÖ’s euroscepticism and its refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have sparked concerns, especially as Austria navigates economic difficulties, migration, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Kickl has based much of his campaign on immigration fears, pledging to build a “Fortress Austria” while criticising the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership has positioned the FPÖ as a significant force in Austrian politics, marking a stark recovery after the party’s fall from grace following a 2019 corruption scandal involving its former leader.
As Kickl celebrates his win, many question whether Austria will follow the path of Hungary under Viktor Orban, whom Kickl has aligned himself with closely. Sunday’s election results underscore the growing influence of far-right politics in Europe.
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