Report: Is Austria before the first right -wing extremist Chancellor?

Report: Is Austria before the first right -wing extremist Chancellor?

Austria heads for a profound political turn: Herbert Kickl, the leader of the right -wing populist Freedom Party (FPÖ), was commissioned by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen to form the government. This marks a potential historical moment, because for the first time the FPÖ could take over the leadership position in the country and Kickl could become a chancellor, as Vol.at . Kickl is known for his radical rights views and its references to authoritarian leadership styles, which appears for many worrying.

During his political career, Kickl has repeatedly expressed his sympathy for illiberal policies and close cooperation with Russia. He is a vehement opponent of EU sanctions against Russia and strives for a fundamental change in the political landscape in Austria, including radical changes in the areas of migration and judiciary. A possible rise of Kickls could have far-reaching consequences for European politics, especially in cooperation with other right-wing populist forces, such as ZDF This development raises the question of whether the conservative Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) should actually ally with such an extreme party and what risks this is for democracy in Austria.

The political landscape in upheaval

The coalition negotiations between the FPÖ and the ÖVP could significantly change the political balance in Austria. Kickl has already threatened to strive for new elections, should not be reached. This is viewed as a strategic train to put pressure on the ÖVP and clarify that the FPÖ can no longer be pushed to the edge. Political scientists warn that Kickl and the FPÖ tried to undermine the political norms in Austria, while they are also the only solution to the prevailing dissatisfaction of the voters, as Reinhard Heinisch from the University of Salzburg emphasized.

The upcoming decision on government formation could also have consequences for the political landscape in Germany, since the FPÖ is increasingly perceived as a model for populist movements in Europe. The normalization of radical parties could be accelerated by the rise of the FPÖ in Austria, which could significantly influence the political strategies of other conservative parties, including the CDU in Germany.

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OrtWien, Österreich
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