Austria's Far-Right Politics: A Growing Concern?

Austria's far-right status is largely attributed to the Freedom Party (FPO), a political party led by Herbert Kickl. The FPO is known for its Eurosceptic, anti-immigration, and pro-Russia stance. In January 2025, the FPO was tasked with forming a coalition government with the conservative People's Party (OVP), marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape. While the FPO has been in power before as a junior coalition partner, this development raised concerns about the potential impact on Austria's relations with the European Union and its commitment to democratic values. The FPO's election program, titled Fortress Austria, includes policies such as tightening immigration restrictions and suspending the right to asylum. The party's rise in support and potential governance have sparked debates about the future direction of the country and its relationship with far-right ideologies.

The Freedom Party's coalition government

The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) has been described as a far-right, right-wing populist, national-conservative, eurosceptic and russophile political party. Led by Herbert Kickl, the party has never led a government before, but has previously been in power as a junior coalition partner.

In January 2025, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen tasked the Freedom Party with forming a coalition government, marking the first time the country would be led by the Eurosceptic, Russia-friendly party. The party had won 29% of the vote in the September 2024 election, narrowly beating the conservative Austrian People's Party (ÖVP).

The coalition government formation came after months of negotiations by mainstream parties to block the far-right Freedom Party from power. However, these attempts failed due to differences in addressing the ailing Austrian economy and managing public finances.

The Freedom Party's coalition partner, the ÖVP, has already adopted the FPÖ's hard line on immigration, indicating a potential area of agreement between the parties. However, they clash on the issue of aid to Ukraine and the Freedom Party's opposition to the European Sky Shield Initiative. The coalition talks are not guaranteed to succeed, but there are no other realistic options in the current political landscape.

The party's Eurosceptic and pro-Russia stance

The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) is a far-right, Eurosceptic, and pro-Russia political party. It has been led by Herbert Kickl since 2021 and is the largest of five parties in the National Council, with 57 out of 183 seats. The party won 28.85% of the votes in the 2024 election and is represented in all nine state legislatures.

The FPÖ's campaign platform has included halting EU-level armed support for Ukraine and advocating for immediate peace negotiations with Russia to alleviate the economic woes facing Austrians. In addition, the party has promoted lifting sanctions against Russia. The party's stance on Russia is aligned with its Eurosceptic views, as it has also opposed Austria's membership in the European Union and the adoption of the euro.

The FPÖ has a history of advocating for Austrian nationalism and opposing further integration with the EU. It opposed Austria's joining of the EU in 1994 and promoted a popular initiative against the replacement of the Austrian schilling with the euro in 1998. The party has also declared that if Turkey were to join the EU, Austria should immediately leave. This stance is rooted in the party's perception of cultural differences between Turkey and Europe.

The FPÖ's pro-Russia stance has been evident in its calls for a national referendum on sanctions against Russian energy. The party has also expressed support for Israel's right to self-defence and has called for Austria to advocate for Israel within the EU. This includes opposing resolutions critical of Israel and supporting Israeli security measures.

The FPÖ's Eurosceptic and pro-Russia positions have raised concerns among other political parties and observers. The party's victory in the 2024 election has sparked discussions about the potential impact on Austria's relationship with the EU and its stance on the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Herbert Kickl's leadership

Herbert Kickl, born on October 19, 1968, is an Austrian politician who has been the leader of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) since June 2021. He has been described as a far-right politician.

Kickl rose to prominence as a campaign director for the FPÖ and a speechwriter for Jörg Haider in the 2000s. After the party split in 2005, he became general-secretary and one of its key leaders. In 2017, he was appointed Federal Minister for the Interior in the first Kurz government, serving until 2019. As interior minister, he was embroiled in several scandals, including accusations of fostering a development away from liberal democracy and the rule of law, and misusing his office to protect right-wing extremist groups.

In January 2025, following the resignation of Chancellor Karl Nehammer due to failed coalition attempts, Kickl received a mandate from President Alexander Van der Bellen to form the next government. This marked a dramatic reversal for the president, who had long been critical of the FPÖ and expressed reservations about Kickl as Chancellor.

Kickl's leadership of the FPÖ has been characterised by his strong opposition to immigration and what he describes as "the abuse of the asylum system". He advocates for a Fortress Austria and "remigration", which involves the deportation of immigrants and their descendants, including citizens, who refuse to integrate. He has also been critical of the European Union, calling for some powers to be returned to Austria, and has supported close relations with Russia and Vladimir Putin.

Kickl's party won the 2024 Austrian legislative election, gaining a plurality of seats in the National Council. However, no other party in parliament agreed to form a coalition with the FPÖ or to support Kickl as Chancellor. Despite this, in January 2025, he received the mandate to form a government, marking a significant shift in Austrian politics and potentially paving the way for the far-right to lead the country for the first time since World War II.

The party's anti-immigration policies

The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) has been described as a far-right, right-wing populist, national-conservative, eurosceptic, and russophile political party. Led by Herbert Kickl, the party has a history of espousing anti-immigration sentiments and policies. Here is a closer look at the party's anti-immigration stance:

Opposition to Immigration and "Islamisation"

The FPÖ has long been associated with anti-immigration rhetoric and policies. Under the leadership of Heinz-Christian Strache, the party emphasised its opposition to immigration, particularly from Islamic countries. Strache pledged to correct the legacy of the previous government's immigration policy and promoted the idea of “Austria First!”, which called for restrictions on immigration and asserted that "Austria is not a country of immigration." This initiative was controversial and led to a split in the party, with several MPs leaving and forming the Liberal Forum.

"Creeping Islamisation"

In line with its anti-immigration stance, the FPÖ has also warned against what it calls "creeping Islamisation." Strache, in an interview, stated that there is a "population change, or a population displacement," referring to immigration. The party's anti-Islam sentiment has been described as "a strategy that resonates with voters of Serbian background, whom the party has assiduously cultivated." The FPÖ has also vowed to outlaw the distribution of free copies of the Quran.

Tough on Immigration Policies

During the period of ÖVP-FPÖ coalition governments, Austria's immigration policies became more stringent. The number of new asylum applications decreased significantly, reflecting the FPÖ's influence on immigration policies. The party has maintained that its stance is not against foreigners but rather aimed at safeguarding the interests and cultural identity of native Austrians.

Promotion of "Heimat"

The concept of "Heimat," meaning both "the homeland" and a sense of cultural identity, has been central to the FPÖ's ideology. Under Strache's leadership, this concept has been promoted and developed more deeply. The party assures voters that "the overwhelming majority of Austrians belong to the German ethnic and cultural community," emphasising a pan-German vision. However, in 1995, Jörg Haider, a former leader of the party, declared an end to pan-Germanism, shifting the focus to Austrian nationalism.

Euroscepticism and Opposition to Turkey's EU Accession

The FPÖ has been characterised by its euroscepticism, particularly in relation to Turkey's potential accession to the European Union. The party has declared that if Turkey joins the EU, Austria should immediately leave. This stance reflects the FPÖ's concerns about perceived cultural differences between Turkey and Europe. Norbert Hofer, a former leader of the party, has suggested that a referendum on EU membership should be considered if Turkey joins or if there are further attempts to create a Federal superstate.

In summary, the Freedom Party of Austria, led by Herbert Kickl, has a strong anti-immigration stance. The party has promoted the idea of "Austria First," opposed immigration from Islamic countries, warned against "creeping Islamisation," and advocated for stricter immigration policies. Additionally, their promotion of "Heimat" and euroscepticism, especially regarding Turkey's EU accession, further highlights their anti-immigration position.

The party's far-right ideology

The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) is a political party in Austria that has been described as far-right, right-wing populist, national-conservative, eurosceptic, and russophile. The party has a history of controversial and extremist ideologies, including associations with Nazi-era elements and a focus on anti-immigration and anti-Islam sentiments. Here is an overview of the party's far-right ideology:

History and Leadership:

The FPÖ was founded in 1956 as the successor to the Federation of Independents (VdU), representing pan-Germanists and national liberals. Its early leaders, including Anton Reinthaller and Friedrich Peter, were former Nazi officials and SS officers. The party initially presented itself as a centrist, liberal party but began a rightward shift in the 1980s under the leadership of Jörg Haider.

Euroscepticism and Russia-friendly stance:

The Freedom Party is known for its eurosceptic views and opposition to Austria's membership in the European Union. They have also expressed support for Russia and opposed sanctions against the country. In the context of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the party has opposed providing aid to Ukraine.

Immigration and Anti-Islam Sentiments:

Under Haider's leadership, the party shifted its focus to immigration and became increasingly critical of Islam. The party has advocated for strict immigration restrictions and promoted initiatives like the "`Austria First!` campaign." It has also been accused of right-wing extremism and possessing neo-Nazi ideologies.

Populist Rhetoric and Electoral Success:

The FPÖ has gained support through its populist rhetoric, portraying itself as a guarantor of Austrian identity and social welfare. It has tapped into voters' disaffection with the traditional ruling parties and presented itself as a challenge to the political establishment. The party's electoral success has been notable, with increasing support in recent years.

Association with Other Far-Right Parties:

The Freedom Party has established connections with other far-right parties across Europe, including the French National Front, the Northern League in Italy, and the Vlaams Belang in Belgium. These alliances reflect shared ideologies and a desire to influence European politics.

In summary, the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) has embraced a far-right ideology that includes euroscepticism, anti-immigration sentiments, and a Russia-friendly stance. The party has a history of controversial leadership and associations with extremist elements. Its populist rhetoric and tap into voters' disaffection have gained it significant support, making it a prominent force in Austrian politics.

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