The Freedom Party of Austria (FPO) has become the first far-right party to secure an election victory since World War II. In need of a partner to form a coalition, the FPO will now attempt to pave its way to power. Founded by a former Nazi parliamentarian, FPO’s leader Kickl says he aims to become a “Volkskanzler” (Chancellor of the People) – a term used by the Nazis for Adolf Hitler. The Eurosceptic and Russia-friendly Freedom Party of Austria emerged as the winner in yesterday’s parliamentary elections, scoring its first victory.
This marks the first far-right victory in Austria since World War II.
The FPO’s triumph in the election constituted another milestone in the recent rise of far-right movements in Europe. However, the party was immediately subjected to a severe “reality check.”
Following the announcement of results, FPO leader Kickl faced off with leaders of other parties in a television studio. The leaders rejected Kickl’s coalition offer. FPO secured its best result so far, winning around 29% of the votes, about 2.5 points ahead of Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s conservative People’s Party (OVP).
Amid protests, Kickl accused his rivals of going against the will of the people.
Addressing supporters after the election victory, Kickl stated, “Tomorrow will be a blue Monday, and then we will start turning this 29% into a political reality in this country.” A close ally of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Kickl offered to negotiate with all other parties across Austria.
The unexpected victory of FPO brings the risk of failure if it fails to find a coalition partner.
President Alexander Van der Bellen, a former Green Party leader overseeing government formation, summoned all parties for talks, suggesting that the process could be prolonged.
Kickl’s win was welcomed by far-right parties in Europe, where the far-right has gained ground in countries like the Netherlands, France, and Germany.
This growing support could further increase the risk of division within the European Union in key policy areas such as defending Ukraine from Russia. However, these victories do not guarantee power for the far-right, with the possibility of rejection by other parties still looming.
In France, far-right National Rally had won the first round of elections in June but ended up empty-handed after withdrawing their candidates in the second round to help the left to secure the most seats.
Eventually, President Emmanuel Macron appointed a center-right Prime Minister, leading the left to lose out.
In the Netherlands, nationalist Geert Wilders had to abandon his hopes of becoming Prime Minister after his rivals refused to support a government under his leadership.
Kickl says he wants to be the “Chancellor of the People,” a term used by the Nazis for Adolf Hitler.
At 55, Kickl, like former US President Donald Trump, has embraced conspiracy theories, claiming that the worming drug ivermectin is effective against COVID-19.
He is pushing for aid to Ukraine and demands the withdrawal of sanctions against Russia, arguing that they harm Austria more than Moscow.
FPO’s supporters claim that the party’s “Austria First” policies will stem illegal migration and boost the economy. Critics, however, fear this could herald a more authoritarian state.
69-year-old retired civil servant and Green Party voter Irene Rubik warned that FPO’s victory signaled a threat to Austria’s future as a democracy, expressing concerns about the risk of “Orbanization” in the country, referencing Hungary’s Orban.
Established in the 1950s under the leadership of a former Nazi parliamentarian, the FPO has tried to soften its image. While promises to restrict asylum and combat inflation have appealed to voters, loyalty to Kickl seems limited.
According to a survey by Foresight pollster, only 2% of FPO voters cited Kickl as the main reason for their vote, marking the lowest rate among party leaders.
OVP is the only party signaling openness to forming a coalition with FPO, but Nehammer has refused to enter government with Kickl. He reiterated this on Sunday.
If Kickl fails to form a coalition, it could open up the possibility of a kind of alliance between OVP and the center-left Social Democrats, dominant parties in Austria’s post-war political history.
Political analyst Thomas Hofer warned that Kickl’s constant portrayal as a threat and refusal of other parties to work with him could strengthen his position as an outsider.
Hofer stated, “Because Herbert Kickl clearly sees this only as a confirmation of his anti-system rhetoric, anti-establishment rhetoric.”