Far-right Freedom Party of Austria secured its first-ever parliamentary election win in the post-World War II era.
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The FPO achieved 29.2% of the vote, according to projections by ORF public television based on over 90% of the counted ballots. This is the first time a far-right party has won a national election in Austria since the end of World War II.
The ruling Austrian People’s Party led by Chancellor Karl Nehammer secured second place with 26.5% of the vote. This result is seen as a bitter defeat for the party, which had governed the country in coalition with the environmentalist Greens. The Social Democrats came in third receiving 21% of the vote.
Herbert Kickl, the FPÖ’s leader is a controversial figure in politics. He has been instrumental in steering the party toward this victory since taking over its leadership in 2021.
Kickl is known for his strong anti-immigration stance, his skepticism towards the European Union and his criticism of sanctions against Russia.
Addressing jubilant supporters in Vienna, Kickl described the win as a piece of history and declared that Austria was now entering a new era. He addressed his happiness with the results, stating that the outcome exceeded his wildest dreams.
Kickl’s leadership has deep divisions in Austria with many political leaders and citizens expressing concerns over his far-right rhetoric. His critics accuse him of conspiracy theories and embracing populist, authoritarian ideas.
The FPO faces challenge in forming a government. To become Austria’s next Chancellor, Herbert Kickl will need to secure a coalition partner to command a majority in the lower house of parliament.
Both the People’s Party and the Social Democrats have publicly stated that they will not enter into a coalition with the FPO.
Chancellor Nehammer has criticized Kickl for his extreme views, accusing him of promoting conspiracy theories and being unfit to govern responsibly.
With the FPO struggling to find coalition partners, the possibility of a three-party coalition involving the OVP, SPO, and the liberal NEOS party is being considered.
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Despite the FPO’s win, forming a government is not guaranteed. Kickl’s abrasive style and hardline positions make it difficult for him to form alliances with other parties.
While Chancellor Nehammer signaled that the OVP might be open to working with the FPÖ, he has refused to cooperate directly with Kickl labeling him as an extremist.
The center-left Social Democrats, which received 21.05% of the vote have ruled out entering a coalition with FPO, while the Greens (8.03%) and the liberal Neos have also distanced themselves from forming a government with the far-right.
The FPO would need a coalition partner to form a government, as their 29.2% vote share is not enough to rule alone. A partnership with the OVP remains uncertain, given Nehammer’s rejection of Kickl.
Another scenario could involve a three-way coalition between the OVP, SPO and the Neos, which could potentially block the FPÖ from leading the government.
Given the complexity of forming a coalition, FPÖ supporters and political analysts alike predict that negotiations could last for months with some speculating that no government will be formed before Christmas.
Just one day before the election, FPÖ was embroiled in controversy when three senior leaders attended a funeral where a Nazi-era song was played.
While it is unclear whether the leaders sang along with Austria’s Jewish Students’ Union reporting the event to prosecutors.
The FPO has historical links to former Nazis, a fact that has long cast a shadow over the party. Despite efforts to distance itself from these roots.
The head of Germany’s far-right AfD party, Alice Weidel congratulated FPO on its success. AfD has also experienced a rise in popularity in German state elections.
Protests against the FPO’s election victory erupted in Vienna with protestors chanting slogans like Nazis out and opposing Herbert Kickl’s leadership.
Countries such as Italy, Sweden and Hungary have also seen the rise of nationalist and anti-immigrant movements driven by similar concerns over economic instability, immigration and dissatisfaction with the European Union.
Kickl has openly expressed admiration for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a far-right leader who has clashed with EU institutions over his country’s democratic backsliding.
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