Austria’s Far-Right FPÖ Poised to Lead Government
Following Austria’s September election, President Alexander Van der Bellen mandated Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl to form a new government, marking a potential first far-right government since WWII. This decision followed failed attempts to form a coalition without the Freedom Party, which won 28.8% of the vote. Coalition talks between the Freedom Party and the People’s Party are underway, though their success is uncertain, and a new election is a possibility. The Freedom Party’s platform includes anti-immigration policies, opposition to sanctions against Russia, and a push for greater Austrian autonomy from the EU.
John Q. Hosedrinker