Austria faces political shift as far-right leader aims to form government

The Freedom Party, known for its anti-immigration stance and euroskeptic policies, emerged victorious in Austria’s September parliamentary elections, securing 28.8% of the vote.

The result pushed outgoing Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s Austrian People’s Party into second place. Led by the provocative 56-year-old Herbert Kickl, the Freedom Party opposes sanctions against Russia and calls for tighter immigration controls, suspending asylum rights under an emergency law, and a “remigration” policy for non-native residents.

Political Deadlock and Leadership Changes

Despite their electoral win, forming a government proved challenging. In October, President Alexander Van der Bellen initially tasked Nehammer with forming a coalition. However, Nehammer’s refusal to collaborate with the Freedom Party under Kickl, combined with other parties’ unwillingness to align with the far right, led to a political impasse. By early January, Nehammer announced his resignation, opening the door for the Freedom Party to take the lead.

Van der Bellen, after meeting with Kickl on Monday, entrusted him with initiating coalition talks, particularly with the Austrian People’s Party, signaling a potential shift in alliances. “I did not take this step lightly,” the president said, emphasizing the importance of upholding Austria’s constitutional principles.

A History of Far-Right and Conservative Partnerships

This isn’t the first time Austria’s far right and conservatives have governed together. From 2017 to 2019, the two parties shared power, with Kickl serving as interior minister. That coalition collapsed amid scandal, but with no viable alternatives in the current parliament, the two factions may again unite—this time with the Freedom Party in the dominant role.

Polls suggest that a fresh election could further boost the Freedom Party’s standing, adding pressure on conservative leaders to negotiate. Kickl, who left the presidential meeting without commenting, has expressed confidence in finding “viable solutions” during coalition talks.

Public Backlash and Protest

Outside the presidential palace, hundreds of demonstrators protested against the potential far-right government. “We don’t want to wake up in a fascist country,” said protester Martin Fuchs. “We want to maintain democracy in Austria and strengthen it.”

Challenges for a New Government

Van der Bellen highlighted the steep challenges any new government will face, including Austria’s persistent recession, rising unemployment, and the need for unpopular budget restructuring. He also stressed the importance of Austria’s geopolitical stance amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and advocated for stronger cooperation within the European Union.

The Freedom Party’s policies, however, suggest a different path. It has criticized EU leadership, opposed Western military aid to Ukraine, and called for Austria’s withdrawal from the European Sky Shield Initiative, a German-led missile defense project.

What’s Next for Austria?

As coalition talks begin, the outcome could redefine Austria’s political landscape. While Kickl’s Freedom Party looks to solidify its leadership, opposition voices continue to warn against the potential erosion of democratic values. Whether the Freedom Party succeeds in forming a government or Austria heads to another election, the political and economic future of the nation hangs in the balance.