On Sunday, the Freedom Party made history by securing the first far-right national parliamentary election victory in post-World War II Austria. The party tapped into public concerns about immigration, inflation, the war in Ukraine, and other pressing issues to clinch the top spot in the polls.
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 trailed in third place with 21% of the vote. This outcome resulted in the outgoing government, a coalition between Nehammer's party and the Greens, losing its majority in parliament.
Herbert Kickl, the leader of the Freedom Party, expressed his desire to become the next chancellor. However, forming a government would require Kickl to find a coalition partner to secure a parliamentary majority, a task made challenging as rival parties have already stated their unwillingness to collaborate with him.
The Freedom Party's success in the election can be attributed to public frustration over issues such as high inflation, the conflict in Ukraine, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The party's platform, outlined in its 'Fortress Austria' program, advocates for strict border controls, the repatriation of undocumented immigrants, and the suspension of asylum rights through emergency legislation.
Despite the victory, uncertainties loom over the formation of the new government, with Nehammer reiterating his stance against partnering with Kickl. The People's Party leader emphasized the need for stability amid various crises, including the pandemic and geopolitical tensions.
The final election results are expected to be released later in the week, but the current outcome is unlikely to change significantly. As Austria navigates this political shift, the country's future direction remains uncertain, with diverging views on democracy and governance coming to the forefront.
Outside the parliament building in Vienna, around 300 protesters gathered, denouncing Kickl with placards bearing the slogan 'Kickl is a Nazi,' underscoring the deep divisions and tensions within Austrian society following this landmark election.
