Austria’s far-right Freedom Party appears to have won a historic first national election, according to exit polls released on Sunday. The party, led by Herbert Kickl, secured 29.1% of the vote, edging out the centre-right Austrian People’s Party and the Social Democratic Party of Austria. Kickl aims to become Austria’s new chancellor, but will need a coalition partner to form a majority in parliament. The party’s success has been attributed to its ability to tap into voter concerns about immigration, inflation, Ukraine, and other issues, as seen in recent gains for far-right parties across Europe.
The Freedom Party’s recent surge in popularity marks a significant turnaround since the 2019 parliamentary election, when its support slumped following a scandal involving one of its leaders. Kickl’s leadership has seen the party move further to the right, advocating for the “remigration of uninvited foreigners” and tighter border controls. The party also opposes sanctions on Russia and criticizes western military aid to Ukraine. Kickl’s aggressive rhetoric has provoked controversy, as he has refused to distance the party from extremist groups like the Identitarian Movement.
The party’s election program includes measures to achieve a more “homogeneous” nation by restricting asylum rights and implementing an emergency law. The final election results, including postal votes, will be announced on Monday. The Freedom Party’s success reflects a broader trend of right-wing populist parties gaining traction across Europe, as they capitalize on voter frustration over economic challenges, security concerns, and the ongoing Covid pandemic. Kickl’s vision for Austria includes a departure from the European Sky Shield Initiative and a more isolationist foreign policy stance, aligning with far-right ideologies prevalent in other European countries.
Despite the controversial nature of the Freedom Party’s platform, its message has resonated with a significant portion of the Austrian electorate. Kickl’s campaign as a “chancellor of the people” has drawn comparisons to Nazi rhetoric from the 1930s, although he has denied any similarity. The party’s emphasis on national identity and security appeals to voters who feel disillusioned with mainstream political parties. Austria, as a member of the European Union, faces a pivotal moment in its political landscape as the far-right party looks poised to take the lead in government.
As the final election results are awaited, the implications of the Freedom Party’s victory could have far-reaching consequences for Austria’s domestic and international policies. Kickl’s leadership style and the party’s stance on key issues such as immigration and foreign relations will shape the country’s trajectory in the coming years. The rise of the far-right in Austria mirrors a global trend towards populism and nationalism, challenging the traditional political establishment and reshaping the discourse on key societal issues. In the wake of the election, Austria stands at a crossroads, with the future direction of the country hinging on the decisions made by its newly elected leaders.
