Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) achieved its first-ever victory in a general election on Sunday, securing 28.8% of the vote, ahead of the ruling conservative Austrian People’s Party (OVP) with 26.3%, and the center-left Social Democrats (SPO) at 21.1%, Reuters reports.
The FPO’s victory reflects growing support for hard-right parties in Europe, driven by concerns over immigration and the economy. The FPO’s hardline stance includes stopping asylum entirely and building a “fortress Austria” to prevent immigration. Despite controversies surrounding the party’s past, including accusations of Nazi sympathies, FPO leader Herbert Kickl remains committed to forming a government. However, the FPO may struggle to form a coalition, as other parties have ruled out working with Kickl.
Kickl’s success was celebrated by far-right parties across Europe, raising concerns about divisions in the European Union, particularly over Ukraine and Russia. Analysts view this as a significant shift in Austrian politics, with potential consequences for Austria’s role in the EU, as Kickl has expressed admiration for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and opposes sanctions on Russia.
