The recent elections in Austria marked a significant shift in the country’s political landscape as the Austrian Freedom Party (FPO), led by Herbert Kickl, garnered approximately 29% of the vote, making it the top party. This victory reflects a broader rightward shift across Europe, where mainstream parties, often labeled as Globalists, are increasingly challenged by populist and nationalist movements. The response from establishment parties has been one of concerted efforts to undermine the legitimacy of the FPO’s win, prioritizing their own political survival over the democratic will of the electorate. Such dynamics are not unique to Austria; we have seen similar patterns in countries like France and the Netherlands, where mainstream parties attempt to isolate right-wing victors through strategic coalitions.
In the wake of the FPO’s electoral success, Kickl has made clear his intention to lead the next government and has urged other political actors to recognize the mandate given to his party by the voters. He labeled any attempts to form a coalition excluding the FPO as a “coalition of losers,” reflecting his belief that such a move would undermine voter trust and contradict the electoral outcome. Despite the FPO’s success, it fell short of an outright majority, necessitating coalition-building efforts. The ruling conservative People’s Party (OVP) is poised to play a crucial role in these discussions, although it has thus far ruled out entering a coalition that includes Kickl.
The FPO has faced significant stigmatization as “far-right,” with critics citing historical ties to Nazi elements dating back to the 1950s. However, the party’s contemporary positioning is shaped by its euroskeptic stance and opposition to certain international policies, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia. Kickl’s position includes calls for the cessation of sanctions against Russia, arguing that they harm Austria’s economy more than they hurt Moscow, a viewpoint that resonates with portions of the electorate wary of globalist agendas. The FPO’s platform includes a strong commitment to “Austria First” policies, focusing on controlling mass migration and revitalizing the national economy—issues that resonate with voters concerned about cultural and economic stability.
Amid these developments, Kickl has extended an olive branch to other parties in parliament, asserting that the FPO is willing to collaborate with them. However, the underlying tensions remain, as established parties grapple with the implications of a right-wing administration. The OVP stands at a pivotal juncture, as it could either enable a coalition that includes the FPO or choose to align itself with the Social Democrats (SPO) and smaller parties, which would effectively sideline the Freedom Party. Given the historical friction between mainstream parties and populist movements, the potential for a stable government remains in question as established players possibly consider the optics and ramifications of their choices.
President Alexander Van der Bellen, from the Greens party, is expected to influence the formation of the new government. His presidency underscores the political elite’s hesitance to concede power to parties that represent a departure from traditional left-right politics. Van der Bellen has initiated discussions with party leaders in the order of their electoral results, indicating that FPO’s ascent could be met with resistance and strategic maneuvering to prevent Kickl from seizing the leadership role he aspires to. Kickl, embodying the sentiments of a significant portion of the electorate, has insisted that his party embodies the voice of the people who seek change, indicating both impatience and determination in pursuing a leadership position.
As the political landscape evolves, there is a palpable tension between the will of the electorate and the strategies employed by the political elite to maintain their influence. Internationally, the FPO’s success, alongside similar trends in other nations, signals a growing unease with globalization and immigration policies. The reaction of the establishment parties within Austria may not only shape the immediate political climate but could also influence broader regional dynamics. As coalition discussions unfold, the stakes are high, not just for Austria but potentially for the trajectory of national identities and governance models throughout Europe, as rising populism continues to challenge the status quo.
