Far-Right Freedom Party Leads in Austrian Election, Challenging Political Landscape
Austria's Freedom Party tops parliamentary vote, marking first far-right national victory since WWII. Coalition formation uncertain as other parties resist FPÖ leadership, signaling potential shift in European politics.
In a significant political shift, Austria's anti-immigration Freedom Party (FPÖ) has emerged as the frontrunner in the country's parliamentary election held on September 29, 2024. This marks the first time a far-right party has secured a national victory in Austria since the end of World War II, potentially reshaping the nation's political landscape.
According to projections by the Foresight Institute for Austrian public broadcaster ORF, with over 80% of votes counted, the FPÖ secured 28.9% of the vote. The center-right People's Party (ÖVP) followed with 26.3%, while the center-left Social Democrats (SPÖ) trailed at 21%. Compared to the 2019 election, the FPÖ gained 13 percentage points, while the ÖVP lost 11 points.
Herbert Kickl, the FPÖ's leader, stated, "Voters have exercised their authority," emphasizing the need for Austria to reconnect with the population's interests. He expressed readiness for discussions with all parties, extending an open invitation for coalition talks.
Despite the FPÖ's projected win, forming a government remains challenging. Other parties have expressed reluctance to build a coalition led by Kickl, known for his controversial far-right stance. Incumbent Chancellor Karl Nehammer of the ÖVP ruled out forming a government with someone who "adores conspiracy theories," but left open the possibility of a coalition without Kickl at the helm.
The election saw 6.3 million eligible Austrian voters choosing 183 seats in the Nationalrat, Austria's lower house of parliament. The FPÖ campaigned under the slogan "Fortress Austria, Fortress of Freedom," advocating for stricter immigration policies and skepticism towards the European Union.
Kickl, who became the FPÖ leader in June 2021, has shifted the party further right. His use of the term "Volkskanzler" or "People's Chancellor" - a historically loaded term associated with Nazi Germany - has raised concerns. The FPÖ's policies include advocating for "remigration," blocking family reunification for migrants, and reducing provisions for asylum seekers.
The election results reflect a broader European trend towards far-right populism. Cengiz Günay, director of the Austrian Institute for International Affairs, noted, "The trend is clearly that these far-right populist parties are getting stronger and the center ground is getting weaker."
"Our hand is outstretched in all directions. I am ready for talks with everyone."
Austria faces significant economic challenges, including a shrinking economy and pressure to reduce dependence on Russian gas. In December, 98% of Austria's gas came from Russia, posing a challenge to the EU's goal of phasing out Russian gas by 2027.
The FPÖ's potential rise to power could impact Austria's position within the European Union. Reinhard Heinisch, a professor at the University of Salzburg, warned that an FPÖ-led government "would certainly not be good for the European Union," citing the party's Euroskeptic views and opposition to sanctions against Russia.
Founded in 1956, the FPÖ is one of Europe's oldest far-right parties. It has participated in two previous coalition governments, both of which ended prematurely due to internal conflicts and scandals.
As Austria navigates this political shift, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the composition of the new government and its implications for both domestic and European politics.
