Austrian Parliamentary Election Sees a Shift: Far-Right Freedom Party Wins for the First Time Since WWII
Austria held its parliamentary elections on the 29th, and according to predictions by Foresight, a polling agency commissioned by the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF), the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), led by its 55-year-old leader Herbert Kickl, won 28.8% of the vote, ahead of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) with 26.3% and the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) with 21.1%. This marks the first time since World War II that the Freedom Party has become the largest party in parliament, highlighting voter concerns over immigration and inflation, which have fueled the rising support for far-right movements across Europe. However, it remains uncertain whether the Freedom Party will be able to form a government.
Following the election, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl stated, "We have made Austrian history because this is the first time the Freedom Party has come out on top in a parliamentary election, illustrating the significant change in the political landscape." Founded by former Nazis in the 1950s, the Freedom Party has a history spanning around 70 years. The party has worked to soften its image and broaden its appeal, but Kickl remains extreme in his views, opposing immigration, questioning COVID-19 prevention measures, being skeptical of the EU, and maintaining close ties with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. No political party is willing to form a coalition government with the Freedom Party, which presents a major challenge for Kickl whether he aims to enter the cabinet or become chancellor.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, leader of the People's Party, expressed regret over being surpassed by a far-right party and emphasized that he would not form a coalition government with the Freedom Party. Nehammer said, "Kickl believes in conspiracy theories, accusing the WHO of being the next world government and the World Economic Forum in Davos as a meeting preparing to rule the world. It is impossible to govern the country wisely and responsibly alongside him, and I have always stood by this position." Experts suggest that the People's Party is unlikely to accept being part of a minority and may prefer to form a coalition government with the Social Democrats and NEOS (The New Austria and Liberal Forum), which could result in Austria's first-ever three-party coalition government.
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