Janice R. Andrews
Austria’s recent parliamentary elections yielded a landmark result, with the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) securing the most seats for the first time since World War II. Despite winning 29.2% of the vote, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl’s path to forming a government remains uncertain, as Austria’s major parties show reluctance to ally with the far-right.
The FPÖ’s victory, claiming 58 out of 183 parliamentary seats, represents a significant shift in Austria’s political landscape. This success echoes similar far-right movements gaining traction across Europe. However, the party faces substantial hurdles in translating its electoral success into governing power.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer of the center-right People’s Party (ÖVP), which came second with 26.5% of the vote, has ruled out a coalition with the FPÖ. Nehammer cites Kickl’s increasingly extreme positions as the reason for this stance. Kickl’s controversial views on immigration, COVID-19 vaccines, and Russia have alienated potential coalition partners.
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, a former Green Party leader, will oversee coalition negotiations. His involvement adds another layer of complexity, as he is unlikely to favor a far-right coalition. The political landscape suggests the possibility of a three-party coalition or a minority government excluding the FPÖ.
The election results have reshuffled Austria’s political alliances. The Greens, former coalition partners of the ÖVP, saw their support drop to 8%. The Social Democrats (SPÖ) maintained a stable 21% of the vote, emerging as a potential coalition partner.
While the FPÖ’s victory marks a significant moment in Austrian politics, the party’s ability to form a government remains in question. The coming weeks will be crucial as negotiations unfold, determining whether the far-right can transform its electoral success into political power in a divided Austria.
