Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) has topped the country’s national elections in a historic victory but is likely to struggle to find partners that would enable it to form a governing coalition.The FPOe won 28.8 percent of votes, beating the ruling conservative People’s Party (OeVP) into second place at 26.3 percent, according to near-complete results.
While the FPOe has served in coalition governments before, it is the first time it has won a national vote, and comes as far-right parties across Europe have made gains.
All other parties in the country, however, have rejected forming a coalition with the Eurosceptic, Russia-friendly FPOe, which was founded in the 1950s under the leadership of a former Nazi lawmaker. Leader Herbert Kickl is also a provocative and polarising figure, roundly disliked by other party leaders.
“We have written a piece of history together today…,” the 55-year-old Kickl told cheering supporters in Vienna. “We have opened a door to a new era.”
Like other far-right parties elsewhere in Europe, the FPOe’s popularity has surged amid voter anger over issues such as migration, the state of the economy and restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is certainly an earthquake and sends a shockwave through all the other parties,” political analyst Thomas Hofer told the AFP news agency.
‘Our hand is outstretched’
Kickl, who took over the party’s leadership in 2021, said he was ready to form a government with “each and every one” of the parties in parliament.
“Our hand is outstretched in all directions,” he said.
Among FPOe sup …
