Vienna: After the collapse of coalition talks among the Austrian People’s Party (OVP), the Social Democrats (SPO), and the Liberals (NEOS), Herbert Kickl, leader of the far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPO), has been given the mandate by the Federal President to form a government. This move signifies a pivotal shift, as Kickl emerged victorious in the national elections held last September.
According to Anadolu Agency, the possibility of a coalition with the FPO under Kickl’s leadership was initially dismissed by all major parties and the president. The SPO’s opposition was expected due to its historical stance since the 1990s. However, the OVP’s reluctance was unexpected, particularly given their previous coalition with the FPO from 2017 to 2019, which ended in scandal. During that coalition, Kickl, then minister of the interior, gained notoriety for controversial actions that included raiding his own intelligence service, a move seen as an attempt to unearth ties between the FPO and far-right extremists.
Kickl has since become a more polarizing figure, rallying against what he terms the ‘Corona dictatorship’ and expanding his voter base beyond traditional FPO supporters. Known for crafting speeches for Jorg Haider, Austria’s first successful FPO leader, Kickl now aims to become the country’s first ‘Volkskanzler’ (People’s Chancellor) since Adolf Hitler, a title that carries significant Nazi connotations. This ambition, along with his contentious policies, such as closing mosques and banning Muslim associations, alarms many in the conservative political sphere.
The shifting power dynamics between the FPO and OVP suggest a new policy alignment. Observers note that while both parties share common policy interests, the FPO’s recent electoral success has altered the balance, forcing the OVP to make concessions. Polls indicate that the FPO could gain over 35% of the vote, increasing the likelihood of snap elections and further consolidating its dominance. Consequently, the OVP’s current leadership has resigned, opening the door for new negotiations.
Under Kickl’s leadership, the government is expected to pursue policies reminiscent of former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, particularly in opposition to immigration. This could align Austria’s political direction with other far-right movements across Europe. The FPO’s foreign policy stance, especially its pro-Putin orientation and skepticism towards Ukraine, may also evolve depending on international developments.
Austria’s participation in the German-led European Sky Shield Initiative could become a contentious issue, as the FPO opposes this EU defense collaboration. Additionally, the country faces challenges in addressing public spending, with Austria at risk of facing penalties from the European Commission if it fails to present a credible fiscal plan by the specified deadline.
Despite these challenges, the business sector’s alignment with the OVP indicates a preference for a coalition with the FPO. A new government led by Kickl could combine neoliberal economic policies with strict law-and-order measures, anti-immigrant policies, and authoritarian social policies, potentially defining Austria’s political landscape under its first postwar Volkskanzler.