//Austria’s Far-Right Freedom Party Set for Historic Victory in National Election//

Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) is projected to win the country’s general election, marking a significant shift in Austrian and European politics. The FPO, led by former interior minister Herbert Kickl, is expected to secure 29.1 percent of the vote, outpacing the governing Austrian People’s Party (OVP), led by Chancellor Karl Nehammer, which garnered 26.2 percent, according to exit polls from Foresight for broadcaster ORF.

    Head of Freedom Party (FPOe) Herbert Kickl speaks to the media on the day he casts his vote during           the general election

The election results, if confirmed, will highlight the growing trend of far-right support across Europe, where concern over immigration and national identity has spurred significant gains for hard-right political movements. This marks the first time a far-right party has won a national election in Austria since World War II, making Kickl a serious contender for the chancellorship. However, his path to power remains complicated, as forming a majority government will require coalition support, which is unlikely to come easily.

Far-Right Surge in Austria  

The FPO’s projected win reflects a broader European trend of rising support for far-right parties, fueled by concerns over immigration, economic instability, and dissatisfaction with the political status quo. Austria has seen an influx of migrants in recent years, which became a central issue during the campaign period. The FPO has been vocal about its hardline stance on immigration, pledging stricter border controls and harsher policies on asylum seekers. This resonates with a growing segment of Austrian voters who feel that immigration is threatening national security and cultural identity.

The OVP, Austria’s conservative ruling party, shares similar views on immigration and tax policy but has suffered from voter discontent over its handling of the economy and internal party issues. Despite the similarities between the two parties, Nehammer has publicly rejected the idea of forming a coalition with Kickl as chancellor, adding a layer of uncertainty to Austria’s post-election landscape.

   Austrian Chancellor Nehammer rejects ruling with Kickl 

Challenging Coalition Prospects  

Kickl’s FPO victory could trigger a significant shift in Austria’s political dynamics, but it faces a major hurdle in building a governing coalition. While the OVP shares some policy overlaps with the FPO, such as their mutual support for tougher immigration rules, Nehammer has made it clear that he will not form a government with Kickl at the helm.

Austria’s center-left Social Democrats (SPÖ) are also projected to finish third, with 20.4 percent of the vote. Like the OVP, the SPÖ has ruled out any potential coalition with the far-right FPO. This leaves Kickl with limited options for coalition partners, potentially forcing Austria into protracted negotiations or even another round of elections.

The difficulty in forming a coalition highlights the divisive nature of the FPO’s policies and leadership. Kickl, who has led the party since 2021, is known for his sharp rhetoric and controversial views, which have drawn criticism both domestically and internationally.

Controversial Nazi Roots  

One of the key factors contributing to the hesitancy among other parties to work with the FPO is its controversial past. The FPO was founded in the 1950s by former Nazi SS officers, and although the party has evolved, it has struggled to fully distance itself from its Nazi origins. Many Austrians remain wary of the party’s far-right ideology, associating it with a dark chapter in the country’s history.

Al Jazeera’s Aida Duratovic, reporting from Vienna, noted that both the OVP and SPÖ have previously entered into coalitions with the FPO, but the stigma attached to the party's origins makes this a less viable option in the current political climate. "Their founder was an SS officer and a Nazi minister," she explained. "Some people in Austria do not believe the party has completely detached itself from its Nazi roots."

Kickl’s own rhetoric has added to the controversy. He refers to himself as the “people’s chancellor,” a term that Adolf Hitler used to describe himself during the Nazi era, a connection that has caused discomfort among many Austrians.

European Context  

Austria is not alone in witnessing a surge in far-right support. Across Europe, far-right parties have gained momentum, capitalizing on fears surrounding immigration, Islam, and economic inequality. In countries like the Netherlands, France, and Germany, far-right parties have made significant electoral gains, challenging traditional political structures.

In Austria, the FPO’s victory follows a similar trend. The party first tasted success in June 2024 when it narrowly defeated the OVP in the European elections. The FPO’s Eurosceptic stance and its criticism of the European Union’s handling of immigration and asylum policies have resonated with voters frustrated by what they perceive as bureaucratic overreach from Brussels.

The FPO has also drawn attention for its close ties to Russia, further complicating its position within the EU. The party has been openly critical of EU sanctions against Moscow and has called for closer ties with Russia, citing Austria’s neutrality as a reason to distance itself from the EU’s hardline stance on the Kremlin. This has raised concerns among EU leaders, who view the FPO’s pro-Russian policies as a potential threat to European unity.

The Role of President Alexander Van der Bellen  

President Alexander Van der Bellen, a key figure in the formation of the next Austrian government, has expressed reservations about the FPO and its leader. The president, whose role is largely ceremonial but crucial in the formation of new governments, has hinted that he may not ask Kickl to form a government, despite the FPO’s projected victory.

Traditionally, the first-placed party in Austrian elections is given the mandate to form a government. However, Van der Bellen has suggested that this is not a constitutional requirement, leaving open the possibility that he could bypass Kickl in favor of another candidate. This would be a highly unusual move in Austrian politics and could set the stage for a constitutional confrontation.

Van der Bellen’s concerns stem from the FPO’s Eurosceptic stance and its failure to unequivocally condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The president has made it clear that he views these positions as incompatible with Austria’s broader foreign policy goals and its commitment to European unity.

What Lies Ahead?  

Austria’s general election marks a pivotal moment in both Austrian and European politics. If the FPO’s victory is confirmed, it will signal the rise of far-right populism in yet another EU country, following similar trends in Hungary, Poland, and Italy. However, the path to forming a stable government remains uncertain, with Kickl’s controversial leadership and the FPO’s extremist roots likely to pose significant obstacles in coalition talks.

Whether Austria will see its first far-right chancellor in the post-World War II era remains to be seen, but the election has undoubtedly reshaped the political landscape in the country and has broader implications for the future of far-right movements across Europe.As Austria grapples with the aftermath of this election, the rest of Europe will be watching closely to see how the country navigates the challenges ahead.