Austria is on the brink of potentially forming its first far-right-led government since World War II, as Austrian Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl met with the country's president on Monday amid mounting expectations. Kickl's party emerged victorious in the parliamentary election held in September, securing 28.8% of the vote and surpassing the conservative Austrian People's Party led by outgoing Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
Following the election, President Alexander Van der Bellen initially tasked Nehammer with forming a new government. However, Nehammer's party ruled out a coalition with the Freedom Party under Kickl's leadership, leading to failed attempts to establish a governing alliance without the far right. Subsequently, Nehammer announced his resignation on Saturday, paving the way for potential negotiations between the People's Party and the Freedom Party.
While discussions between the two parties are underway, the possibility of a successful coalition remains uncertain. With no other viable coalition options in the current parliament, a new election could further strengthen the Freedom Party, according to recent polls.
The Freedom Party's election platform, titled “Fortress Austria,” advocates for policies such as the “remigration of uninvited foreigners,” stricter border controls to achieve a more “homogeneous” nation, and the suspension of the right to asylum through emergency legislation. Additionally, the party opposes sanctions against Russia, criticizes Western military support for Ukraine, and aims to withdraw from the European Sky Shield Initiative, a missile defense project initiated by Germany.
Kickl, known for his provocative style, has been vocal in his criticism of EU elites and has called for the repatriation of certain powers from the European Union to Austria. The potential formation of a far-right-led government in Austria marks a significant political development in the country's recent history, with implications that could reverberate across Europe.
