Austria's Far-Right Freedom Party, Criticized Over Pro-Russia Stances Gets Its Chance to Rule the Country

 

Austria's Freedom Party was tasked with trying to form what could become the nation's first far-right-led government since World War II, adding to the trend of anti-immigrant and populist parties gaining ground across Europe.

 

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen on Monday gave the leader of the party, Herbert Kickl, the chance to form a coalition after attempts by other parties to forge a governing alliance without the far right collapsed. On Saturday, Karl Nehammer, chancellor since late 2021, said he would resign.

 

The Freedom Party has participated in governments but only as a junior partner. It finished first in a general election last year but since no party won a majority, two or more will need to link up to form a government.

 

"I may have certain wishes, but respect for the voters requires that I accept this majority," Van der Bellen, a progressive, said Monday after meeting with Kickl. "I did not take this step lightly."

 

The Freedom Party, criticized over pro-Russia stances, anti-Islam and anti-immigrant rhetoric and corruption scandals, won in September with around 29% of the vote. 

 

But after Nehammer's center-right People's Party refused to join with the Freedom Party, Van der Bellen gave the mandate to form a government to Nehammer His efforts to join with the center-left Social Democrats and liberal Neos party collapsed last week, and the People's Party signaled it was open for talks with Kickl.

If they fail, a new election is expected. Polls show the Freedom Party at around 36% and the People's Party at 21%." [1]

1. Austria's Far-Right Freedom Party, Criticized Over Pro-Russia Stances Gets Its Chance to Rule the Country. Kantchev, Georgi. Wall Street Journal, Eastern edition; New York, N.Y.. 07 Jan 2025: A7.