Austria is set for a far-right chancellor. For the EU it’s the ‘new normal’

Herbert Kickl (pictured) could prove even harder to handle within the EU than Hungary’s consistently obstructive Viktor Orbán. Photograph: Max Slovencik/EPA

When Austria’s Freedom party (FPÖ) entered government 25 years ago, shock waves reverberated around Europe. Punitive measures were imposed, diplomatic visits cancelled and Belgium even suggested the EU could do without the Alpine country.

That was when the far-right party was only a junior coalition partner. This time, the FPÖ – nativist, anti-immigration and fiercely critical of the EU – is in the driving seat. Its leader, Herbert Kickl, is in pole position to be Austria’s next chancellor.