Kickl in power? FPÖ before historic government formation in Austria!

Austria is facing a political upheaval! Herbert Kickl, the leader of the right-wing extremist Freedom Party (FPÖ), could become the first leading candidate since the end of the Second World War to become chancellor. A coalition government with the People's Party (ÖVP) seems to be within reach, which is causing alarm in Brussels. Kickl's vision for the country includes strict controls on migration and a skeptical attitude towards the EU, which could significantly change the political landscape in Europe, such as The Parliament Magazine reported.

The governor of Vorarlberg, Markus Wallner (ÖVP), commented sharply on Kickl's reaction during the coalition talks. He criticized Kickl for remaining in opposition mode and not showing any willingness to engage in dialogue. Wallner emphasizes that a chancellor must act like a statesman and treat other people in charge with respect. “A Federal Chancellor must demonstrate the ability to engage in dialogue,” said Wallner. The FPÖ has made a name for itself as a dominant force in Austrian politics, while Kickl combines support for his extreme ideas among voters with increasingly Eurosceptic and pro-Russian rhetoric.

A political upheaval

The planned alliance could not only mean a new political direction for Austria, but also affect relations with European partners. “If Kickl forms a government with the ÖVP, he could join forces with Eurosceptic leaders like Viktor Orbán in Hungary,” warned a political scientist in an interview with The Parliament Magazine. Austria's budget faces the challenge of a significant deficit of 4.2% of GDP, which could significantly complicate the implementation of the FPÖ's election promises.

The FPÖ has taken a clear course towards strict border controls and the suspension of the right to asylum. In their manifesto “Fortress Austria” they demand the repatriation of “uninvited foreigners”. These extreme positions could shift the political balance in Europe further to the right. Experts agree that the coalition negotiations between the FPÖ and the ÖVP could herald an exciting and at the same time challenging phase that is important not only for Austria, but for the entire EU.