By William J. Furney
In a dramatic political shift that has reverberated across Europe, Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs, FPO) has secured a commanding victory in the country’s national elections, taking approximately 29.1% of the vote.
The election result has brought renewed attention to the party’s controversial origins, having been founded in the 1950s by former Nazis following World War II. This development not only reshapes Austria’s political landscape but also serves as a potential turning point for Europe’s ongoing struggle with the rise of populism and nationalism.
The FPO’s victory on Sunday has shaken the establishment in Austria and raised concerns across Europe. Its leader, Herbert Kickl, ran on an anti-immigration and eurosceptic platform that appealed to a broad base of voters frustrated with the traditional political elite.
Although the FPO has modernised its image in recent years, the party’s roots trace back to figures tied to Austria’s post-war far-right. While it was originally established by former Nazis, the party has since transitioned into a populist nationalist movement, capitalising on widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo.
The FPO’s Rise and Its Controversial History
The FPO’s electoral success has been a long time in the making, and has positioned itself as a strong advocate of Austrian nationalism, law and order and opposition to immigration. It is no stranger to controversy, given its historical links to fascist ideology and hard-right positions on social issues. After being founded by ex-Nazis in the early post-war period, the FPO spent decades on the political fringes before reinventing itself to appeal to Austria’s growing nationalist sentiment.
Herbert Kickl, the current leader, has built upon this nationalist legacy while distancing the party from some of its more extreme elements. Under his leadership, the FPO has cultivated an image of defending Austrian values, prioritising security and pushing back against what they see as the European Union’s overreach. Despite these attempts at modernisation, many critics argue that the party’s roots and continued flirtation with far-right rhetoric represent a danger to liberal democracy.
Election Outcome and Coalition Politics
Although the FPO emerged as the top party with around 29.1% of the vote, it fell short of an outright majority. That means a coalition is necessary to form a government, which could complicate Kickl’s path to becoming chancellor. The incumbent Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), which finished second with around 26.2% of the vote, now faces a decision: whether to form a coalition with the FPO, which could cement a hard-right government, or look towards alternative alliances with other parties, including the Social Democrats (SPÖ) or the Greens.
Austria’s centre-left Social Democrats, who garnered 20.4%, are in a weakened position after years of decline, while the Greens received a modest but notable share of the vote. Given the fragmented nature of Austria’s political scene, coalition talks are expected to be protracted and complicated, with no clear path yet for Kickl and the FPO to establish firm control over government policy.
European Implications and the Rise of Right-Wing Populism
Austria’s election result adds to the broader trend of far-right and populist movements gaining ground across Europe. From Italy’s Giorgia Meloni to Marine Le Pen in France, right-wing populists are making significant electoral gains, fuelled by growing public dissatisfaction with globalisation, immigration policies and the perceived detachment of political elites from everyday concerns.
For many political observers, the FPO’s win signals a dangerous escalation of far-right influence in Austria and potentially other parts of Europe. Their staunch opposition to the European Union, coupled with their calls for stricter immigration controls, mirrors the populist rhetoric seen in countries like Hungary and Poland. The FPO has been particularly vocal about its euroscepticism, with some members advocating for Austria to re-examine its relationship with the EU, potentially even calling for an “Auxit” — Austria’s exit from the Union.
But while many are alarmed by the far-right’s ascent, others argue that the FPO’s rise is a symptom of deeper, more systemic issues that traditional parties have failed to address. Economic inequality, cultural anxieties and immigration pressures have been used by populists to gain votes, and Austria is no exception. The FPO’s success can be seen as a protest vote against the established political order, and its populist platform appears to resonate with those disillusioned by years of centrist governance.
The Road Ahead for Austria
As Austria faces the prospect of a far-right government, questions remain over how the country will balance its democratic principles with the rise of nationalism. The FPO has promised sweeping reforms, particularly in immigration and security policies, which have drawn sharp criticism from both domestic and international observers. The European Union, already grappling with challenges from within, will now have to deal with a member state whose leadership could shift its tone towards Brussels.
Whether the Freedom Party manages to form a government or not, the fact remains that their success in this election has altered the trajectory of Austrian politics. As other European nations watch closely, Austria could become the latest battleground for the continent’s ideological struggle between liberalism and populist nationalism.
In a climate of increasing political fragmentation and polarisation, Austria’s election results serve as a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by mainstream political movements across Europe. The far-right’s surge may be indicative of broader shifts within the European electorate, as voters look for alternatives to established parties, paving the way for a new era of populism in the heart of Europe.
* Image, of FPO leader Herbert Kickl: File.