Vienna, Austria – Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen is reportedly set to appoint Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl to form a new government, a move that would mark the first time a far-right party has led the nation since World War II. Kickl's Freedom Party secured the largest share of the vote in September's parliamentary election.
The Freedom Party's victory, alongside the subsequent collapse of negotiations with other parties, has led to this unprecedented situation. Outgoing Chancellor Karl Nehammer's conservative Austrian People's Party, previously unwilling to partner with the Freedom Party, now appears open to negotiations.
Previous attempts to form a government without the Freedom Party proved unsuccessful. Nehammer's resignation announcement followed the failed coalition talks. While a potential partnership between the Freedom Party and the conservatives exists, the success of negotiations remains uncertain. The current political landscape suggests little alternative to this prospect.
The Freedom Party's platform, "Fortress Austria," advocates for policies perceived by many as controversial. This includes measures aimed at restricting immigration, tightening border controls, and potentially suspending asylum rights through emergency legislation. Furthermore, the party has expressed opposition to sanctions on Russia, criticizes Western military aid for Ukraine, and is critical of the European Sky Shield Initiative.
These stances, coupled with calls for a return of certain powers from the European Union to Austria, reflect the Freedom Party's distinct agenda. However, a previous coalition between the Freedom Party and the People's Party, which included Kickl as Interior Minister, ended amid controversy. This historical precedent adds a layer of complexity to the current negotiations.
