Austrian Far Right Pursues Power Amid Rivals’ Blockade, Reports Reuters

By Francois Murphy

VIENNA – Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) is set to explore coalition possibilities on Monday following its historic victory in the parliamentary elections. This success marks a significant moment for the anti-establishment party, but it faces a challenge in securing a governing partner.

The FPO’s win, characterized by its Eurosceptic and pro-Russia stance, is another indication of the rise of far-right movements across Europe. However, party leader Herbert Kickl received a stark reminder of the political landscape during a television interview, where leaders of rival parties rebuffed his proposals for coalition talks.

The FPO finished about 2.5 percentage points ahead of Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s conservative People’s Party (OVP), garnering nearly 29% of the vote, its best performance to date. Kickl accused his competitors of disregarding the voters’ wishes.

"Tomorrow marks a blue Monday, and we will work to transform that 29% into a tangible political reality," Kickl asserted to his supporters on Sunday, referencing the party’s associated color.

Kickl, who shares a partnership with Hungary’s Viktor Orban, extended an invitation to negotiate with all political factions in Austria, where coalition governance is the norm due to the electoral system.

President Alexander Van der Bellen, a former leader of the Greens tasked with overseeing government formation, encouraged all parties to engage in discussions. He indicated that the coalition-building process could extend beyond the usual two to three months.

While the FPO’s win exceeded predictions, it could turn into a hollow victory if Kickl fails to secure a coalition partner. Nevertheless, the outcome has invigorated far-right parties across Europe, which have seen electoral gains in nations like the Netherlands, France, and Germany. This surge presents potential challenges for unity within the European Union, particularly concerning policies like military support for Ukraine.

Kickl opposes ongoing aid to Ukraine and calls for the lifting of sanctions against Russia, suggesting they adversely impact Austria more than Moscow. Supporters advocate that the FPO’s "Austria First" agenda will tackle illegal immigration and improve the economy, while critics express concern over a potential drift towards authoritarianism.

The FPO’s success raises questions about the future of democracy in Austria, as expressed by Irene Rubik, a 69-year-old retired civil servant and supporter of the Greens, who fears "Orbanisation," referencing Hungary’s political climate.

Founded in the 1950s by a former Nazi lawmaker, the FPO has worked to reshape its image. Many voters are attracted to its promises to limit asylum and address inflation, yet support for Kickl himself appears limited. According to recent polling, only 2% of FPO voters identified him as the main reason for their vote, the lowest among party leaders.

Currently, the OVP is the only party open to coalition discussions with the FPO; however, Nehammer has confirmed that he will not include Kickl in any government. The prospect of Kickl stepping aside appears unlikely.

If coalition negotiations fail, it may pave the way for a partnership between the OVP and the center-left Social Democrats, which historically have dominated Austria’s political scene.

Analyst Thomas Hofer pointed out that the persistent portrayal of Kickl as a threat, alongside the reluctance of other parties to collaborate with him, might bolster his claims as an outsider challenging a system that he believes isn’t delivering results. "Herbert Kickl interprets this as validation for his anti-establishment narrative," Hofer noted.