Austria’s Freedom Party Claims First Far-Right National Election Victory Since WWII

Austria’s Freedom Party achieved a historic victory in the national parliamentary election on Sunday, marking the first win for the far right since World War II. Preliminary results show the Freedom Party leading with 29.2 percent of the vote. In contrast, Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s Austrian People’s Party secured second place with 26.5 percent, while the center-left Social Democrats came in third with 21 percent.

This outcome ends the governing coalition between Nehammer’s party and the environmentalist Greens, which lost its majority in the lower house of parliament. Herbert Kickl, the Freedom Party leader, has aspirations to become chancellor. However, he will need a coalition partner to command a parliamentary majority, as rivals have indicated they will not collaborate with him in government.

The Freedom Party’s success stems from rising public frustration over high inflation, the war in Ukraine, and concerns about migration. Their election program, titled “Fortress Austria,” advocates for stricter border controls and the “remigration” of foreigners. Additionally, they oppose sanctions against Russia and criticize Western military aid to Ukraine.

Kickl has positioned himself as a challenger to the political establishment, stating that his party is ready to lead a government that reflects the will of the people. In response to the election results, Nehammer acknowledged the disappointment of finishing second but highlighted the improvement his party has made in recent polls.

More than 6.3 million Austrians were eligible to vote, with Kickl’s Freedom Party achieving its best performance in a national parliamentary election, surpassing its previous high of 26.9 percent in 1999. This election reflects a growing trend across Europe, where far-right parties are gaining traction.