On Sunday, the Freedom Party made history by securing the first far-right national parliamentary election victory in post-World War II Austria. Their success was fueled by tapping into public concerns about immigration, inflation, the situation in Ukraine, and other pressing issues.
Preliminary official results revealed that the Freedom Party garnered 29.2% of the vote, edging out Chancellor Karl Nehammer's Austrian People's Party, which secured 26.5%. The center-left Social Democrats claimed the third spot with 21% of the votes. This outcome led to the loss of the majority for the outgoing government, a coalition between Nehammer's party and the Greens.
Herbert Kickl, the leader of the Freedom Party, expressed his desire to become the chancellor. However, forming a government would require a coalition partner to secure a parliamentary majority, a challenge as rival parties have already stated their unwillingness to collaborate with Kickl.
The Freedom Party's election program, titled 'Fortress Austria,' advocates for strict border control, the 'remigration of uninvited foreigners,' and the suspension of the right to asylum through emergency legislation. Additionally, the party opposes sanctions against Russia, criticizes Western military aid to Ukraine, and aims to withdraw from the European Sky Shield Initiative.
Despite the party's victory, uncertainties loom over its ability to govern effectively. Kickl emphasized the party's readiness to lead the government and implement changes in Austria, urging other parties to reflect on their democratic stance in light of the election results.
While Nehammer expressed disappointment at missing the top spot, he reiterated his stance against forming a coalition with Kickl. The election outcome reflects a shift in Austrian politics, with the Freedom Party making significant gains since the 2019 parliamentary election.
The final official results are expected later in the week, but the current standings are unlikely to change substantially. The election outcome has sparked mixed reactions, with some celebrating the Freedom Party's victory while others express concerns about the implications of far-right leadership in Austria.
As Austria navigates this political transition, the future government's composition remains uncertain, with potential coalition scenarios involving various parties. The election results mark a significant moment in Austrian politics, shaping the country's trajectory in the coming years.
