Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has taken the significant step of tasking Herbert Kickl, the leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), with forming a coalition government. This announcement, made on January 6, 2025, marks a dramatic turn of events after efforts to create a centrist coalition without the FPÖ collapsed just days prior. The decision from Van der Bellen, previously known for his criticism of the FPÖ and its controversial positions, signals the urgency of the current political climate and the limited options available following the recent parliamentary elections.
Kickl’s party finished at the top of the poll with nearly 29% of the vote, surpassing the conservative Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), led by outgoing Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who resigned following the failure of coalition negotiations. According to Van der Bellen, "I have... tasked him with launching talks with the People's Party to form a government," noting, “I did not take this step lightly.” This comment reflects the president's acknowledgment of the challenges posed by the far-right party's rise and the shifting political dynamics.
The collapse of the centrist talks was attributed to disagreements among parties on reviving the economy and managing public finances, leading Nehammer, who had long resisted the idea of partnering with the FPÖ under Kickl’s leadership, to resign from his post. Meanwhile, the chancellor's interim successor, Christian Stocker, indicated openness to negotiations with the FPÖ, stating, "We are at the very beginning. If we are invited to these talks, the outcome of those talks is open.”
Outside the presidential palace during the meeting between Kickl and Van der Bellen, hundreds of protesters voiced their opposition to the proposed coalition. Chants of "Nazis out" and banners stating "We don't want a right-wing extremist Austria" reflected the deep concern among many citizens and organizations, including Jewish students and left-wing activists, about the potential return of far-right governance.
Historically, the FPÖ has had tumultuous leadership and controversial policies, rooted partly in its flashing back to its founding by former Nazi figures. Kickl, now 56, has openly expressed skepticism toward the European Union and has often echoed anti-immigrant sentiments, encapsulated within the party's election manifesto titled "Fortress Austria," which advocates for tight immigration controls and the "remigration of uninvited foreigners" to create what they deem a more "homogeneous" society.
The manifesto also calls for the suspension of asylum rights through emergency laws, reflecting the party's definitive stance on immigration—a central issue leading to their electoral gains amid rising public anger about immigration and inflation. The FPÖ is particularly known for its eurosceptic positions and has been vocal against sanctions imposed on Russia, advocating for greater autonomy for Austria from EU regulations.
Political analysts indicate the FPÖ's shift from being the junior partner to leading the government would mark Austria’s first far-right-led administration since World War II. Such developments resonate not only within Austria but could also influence broader EU politics by contributing to the growing representation of far-right parties across Europe, including parties like Italy’s League and Hungary’s Fidesz.
While coalition talks between the FPÖ and the ÖVP hold the promise of political stability, the potential alliance lies on shaky ground, as previous governing experiences with the FPÖ have not been without scandal and backlash. Most recently, the government led from 2017 to 2019, which included the FPÖ, fell apart due to major controversies reflecting the party's often extreme rhetoric and policy positions.
The chances of success for this new coalition bear significant weight. If negotiations fail, another election could ensue. Given the rising support for the FPÖ demonstrated through recent polls, it may very well strengthen their position even more significantly.
Van der Bellen underscored the responsibility accompanying his decision, stating, "I will continue to make sure the principles and rules of our constitution are respected and upheld,” indicating his mindful approach as Austria navigates through this complex transition. Amidst these political discussions, public sentiment remains fervently divided, posing questions about the future of democratic principles and policies within Austria.
If the FPÖ successfully leads the government, the ramifications will extend beyond domestic concerns, as the country plays a pivotal role within the EU infrastructure. Observers highlight the significance of this moment, emphasizing it as both pivotal and reflective of the broader anti-establishment sentiment sweeping across multiple Western democracies, echoing similar trends seen in France, Italy, and Germany.