Member-only story
Austria will have its first far-right chancellor since World War II
Austria’s Far-Right Revolution: What the FPÖ’s Rise Means for Europe’s Future
The political winds are shifting in Europe, and Austria is at the eye of the storm. In a historic turn of events, the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), a far-right nationalist party, is on the verge of securing the country’s leadership. If its leader, Herbert Kickl, successfully forms a coalition government, Austria will have its first far-right chancellor since World War II. This isn’t just a domestic shake-up — it’s a wake-up call for the European Union.
With anti-migration rhetoric, eurosceptic ambitions, and a pro-Russia stance, the FPÖ is poised to challenge not only Austria’s political trajectory but also the EU’s cohesion. So, what does this mean for Austria, Europe, and the global stage?
Austria’s far-right surge didn’t happen overnight. In the September 2024 federal elections, the FPÖ came out on top with 28% of the vote, narrowly defeating the conservative Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP). While coalition talks initially excluded the FPÖ, their rivals couldn’t reach an agreement, forcing President Alexander Van der Bellen to hand the reins to Kickl.
This marks a critical moment for Austria, a country with a history of far-right participation in government. But unlike the…
