In the recent European Parliament elections in Austria, the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) emerged as the clear winner, securing 27% of the vote. This marks the first time the party has won a nationwide election, overtaking the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) and the Social Democrats (SPO) who came in second and third place respectively. The Greens, despite facing scandals involving their lead candidate, are predicted to lose one of their three MEPs. The Communist Party also has a chance to secure one MEP with 3% of the vote.
The FPÖ, known for its anti-immigration, anti-Green Deal, and Eurosceptic platform, campaigned with the slogan “Halt to the EU’s madness.” The party has a controversial history, originally chaired by a former Nazi official and SS officer, and later led by Jörg Haider, known for his xenophobic and anti-Islam views. In recent years, the party has faced criticism for its connections to the Kremlin and a 2019 scandal involving promises of government contracts to a woman posing as the niece of a Russian oligarch. Despite these controversies, the FPÖ’s victory in the European elections could indicate a potential win in the upcoming national legislative elections in September.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s ÖVP came in second place with 23.5% of the vote, followed closely by the SPO with 23%. The ÖVP had a significant victory in the 2019 European Parliament elections, winning seven seats, but has now been overtaken by the FPÖ in the recent elections. Questions remain about the FPÖ’s ties to Russia, with the country’s Greens party accusing the party and its leader, Herbert Kickl, of being “an extension of Russia’s arm” in Austria. This controversy has raised concerns about foreign interference in Austrian politics and the potential influence of external powers.
The FPÖ’s success in the European elections may boost its chances in the national legislative elections scheduled for September. With its leader, Herbert Kickl, currently leading in polls, the party’s victory in the European elections could pave the way for a larger win in the national elections. The FPÖ’s strong showing in the European Parliament could signal a shift in Austrian politics towards the far-right, with anti-immigration and Eurosceptic sentiments resonating with voters. The party’s campaign against the EU’s policies and its nationalist platform have struck a chord with a segment of the Austrian electorate, propelling it to victory in the recent elections.
