Far-Right Freedom Party Poised for Significant Gains in Austria’s Upcoming Elections Amid Populist Momentum

Austria is gearing up for elections on Sunday, with the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) expected to achieve a significant victory, signaling a notable advance for populist, anti-immigration movements in Europe. Unlike many emerging parties, the FPÖ has a long-standing presence in Austrian politics and has previously been part of coalition governments.

Current polling suggests that while the FPÖ may lead the elections, it is unlikely to secure an outright majority, meaning it would require support from other parties. This scenario raises the possibility of rival parties collaborating to keep the FPÖ from forming a government.

The FPÖ is often referred to as a pioneer among Europe’s far-right factions, known for its anti-immigration, anti-Islam, Eurosceptic, and anti-vaccination positions. Political scientist Benjamin Biard highlights the similarities between the FPÖ and other prominent far-right parties, such as France’s National Rally and Italy’s Lega.

However, a key differentiator is the FPÖ’s long-standing history in Austrian politics, tracing its roots back to the post-World War II era. The party has held federal power three times through coalition arrangements, distinguishing itself from newer far-right groups across Europe.

Founded in 1956 by former Nazis, the FPÖ’s controversial history complicates its current image, as the party claims to have distanced itself from its past. Over the decades, the FPÖ has fluctuated politically, moving from far-right to more centrist views.

In the early 1980s, the party began to establish itself as a legitimate competitor in Austrian politics, particularly after its shift toward liberal ideologies. This transformation accelerated under the leadership of Jörg Haider, who propelled the party to significant electoral success in the late 1990s, despite attracting criticism for his provocative statements.

In recent years, the FPÖ has been embroiled in scandal, particularly the “Ibiza-gate” incident in 2019, which led to the resignation of its then-leader, Heinz-Christian Strache.

Herbert Kickl currently leads the party and emphasizes a strong anti-immigration agenda, including the controversial notion of “remigration,” which involves returning immigrants to their countries of origin, particularly those with criminal backgrounds. Kickl’s rhetoric is marked by a populist style that resonates with a segment of the electorate.

Key issues in the current election cycle include the rising cost of living, immigration policy, climate change, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Economic challenges, such as inflation and dependency on Russian energy, have heightened public concern and debate.

The FPÖ positions itself as a champion for working-class citizens, proposing tax breaks and measures aimed at easing economic burdens while advocating for stricter immigration controls.

The party’s anti-EU stance is notable, as it aligns itself with Hungary’s ruling party, Fidesz, which has close ties to Russian leadership. The FPÖ opposes EU sanctions against Russia and maintains that Austria should continue relying on Russian gas to avoid rising energy prices.

Meanwhile, the current coalition government of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) and the Greens is exploring ways to reduce dependence on Russian energy supplies, viewing it as a significant risk to national security.

Polls indicate that the FPÖ could capture around 27% of the vote, placing it ahead of its main rivals: the ruling ÖVP and the center-left Social Democrats (SPÖ). If the FPÖ wins, it would likely seek to partner with the ÖVP, though current Chancellor Karl Nehammer has expressed reluctance to work with Kickl directly due to ideological differences.

Nevertheless, Nehammer has left the door open for collaboration with a different FPÖ candidate, highlighting possible pathways to coalition governance.

Analysts suggest that a variety of political configurations could emerge from the election, including a potential three-party coalition involving the SPÖ, ÖVP, and another smaller party.

Biard notes that if the FPÖ succeeds in leading a coalition, it would mark a historic shift in Austrian politics and significantly bolster the influence of far-right parties within Europe. As the election approaches, the potential implications of the FPÖ’s success continue to dominate discussions in Austria and beyond.