Fight for Europe's future: Kickl and the new right-wing alliance in Madrid

Fight for Europe's future: Kickl and the new right-wing alliance in Madrid

In a dramatic political showdown, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl spoke out with a video message while attending a meeting of the EU right-wing extremist group “Patriots for Europe” in Madrid over the weekend. There he proclaims the desired “alliance of reason” and poses in a striking muscular man pose. “Make Europe great again,” calls Kickl, evoking the feeling that the right-wing movement is returning to power while challenging its superiority over the established political order. With poll numbers of up to 30 percent among young voters, he sees his party in a better position than ever and emphasizes that the citizens of Austria want a drastic change - "a policy that identifies solely with the interests of its own people," as he puts it. Such statements not only enrapture fans, but also attract strong criticism that conjures up gloomy forebodings for the European future. (ö24 reported)

The path to power

Austria could soon see its first FPÖ-led government since World War II. After winning the parliamentary election in September, in which the FPÖ received 28.8% of the vote, Herbert Kickl now faces the challenge of forming a government coalition. President Alexander Van der Bellen commissioned him to do this after attempts to form a government without the FPÖ failed. The political negotiations are tense because the issues of the economy and budget consolidation have to be dealt with. The resignation of the previous Chancellor Karl Nehammer now opens the door for the provocative Kickl to direct the country's fortunes. (AP reported)

Kickl, who is known for his sharp political attacks, often alternates between provocative statements and appeals to national identity. While he propagates the EU-critical stance and the ideology of a “Fortress Austria”, his party is also part of an overarching trend within Europe that goes hand in hand with support for right-wing populist movements. Whether he can take advantage of this historic opportunity remains to be seen, but the wind seems to be blowing in the FPÖ's favor, while other conservative forces are losing influence in the electorate.