Austria’s President Assumes Leadership as Far Right Faces Isolation Following Election Victory

By Francois Murphy

VIENNA – The far-right Freedom Party’s (FPO) significant win in Austria’s parliamentary election has left it in a challenging position, largely dependent on the president, who must oversee the formation of a viable coalition government.

The Eurosceptic and Russia-friendly FPO garnered 29% of the votes, a historic achievement, but it fell short of securing a parliamentary majority. The party requires a coalition partner to govern, but leaders of other political factions have expressed a lack of interest in collaboration.

President Alexander Van der Bellen, 80, a former head of the left-wing Greens, has previously voiced concerns regarding the FPO, particularly regarding its reluctance to denounce Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its opposition to sanctions against the country. He has also suggested that he might resist allowing FPO leader Herbert Kickl, aged 55, to assume the role of chancellor. Kickl has urged Van der Bellen to adhere to traditional practices by inviting the top party to attempt coalition-building, but the president insists he has no such obligation, a view supported by constitutional experts.

In a recent statement, Van der Bellen emphasized the importance of "the pillars of our liberal democracy," which include the rule of law, minority rights, independent media, and EU membership. These elements, he argues, should be respected during coalition discussions. Opponents of Kickl claim he and the FPO have undermined these principles, while Kickl asserts that his party is the true guardian of Austrian sovereignty and neutrality.

Political science professor Kathrin Stainer-Haemmerle commented on Van der Bellen’s remarks, noting that they could be interpreted in multiple ways. "It could suggest that the Freedom Party must not be allowed to govern, although I don’t think he intended to go that far," she stated. "It may also indicate that there are certain aspects he wants to see included in any future government program."

Van der Bellen’s office has not yet responded to inquiries regarding his comments, which imply that the coalition-building process could take longer than the usual two to three months. Following the 2019 election, which saw the ruling conservatives win by a more substantial margin, Van der Bellen stated he would "naturally" invite the leading party to attempt coalition formation, which he did shortly thereafter.

In this latest election, however, he provided no such guidance, instead stating that a party lacking a majority "must convince others—other potential government partners, as well as the president" in order to form a government. This highlights his crucial role in the process.

Kickl responded, arguing that Van der Bellen must acknowledge that the FPO came in first. "This constitution isn’t based on arbitrariness, but on a balance of power," he remarked.

If Kickl struggles to secure a coalition partner, it may pave the way for a coalition of more moderate parties. Founded in the 1950s by an ex-Nazi lawmaker, the FPO has endeavored to soften its image. Similar to the rising far-right movements in other EU countries, the FPO attracted voters with its promises to curb immigration and address the cost-of-living crisis.