As the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) begins the process of forming Austria’s next government, following the collapse of efforts to build a centrist coalition and the resignation of Chancellor Karl Nehammer, the news has prompted a variety of reactions.
FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl is now expected to approach the People’s Party (ÖVP) to negotiate a coalition.
While the ÖVP had previously ruled out working with Kickl, they have since softened their stance. Should the two parties reach an agreement, it would mark the first time Austria has been led by the FPÖ since its founding after the Second World War by former Nazis.
On Monday, President Alexander Van der Bellen granted Kickl the mandate to form a government.
The FPÖ welcomed the decision with enthusiasm. Christof Bitschi, the party’s leader in the state of Vorarlberg, said: “It was Herbert Kickl who achieved a resounding victory in the national elections and secured a record-breaking result. For us, Herbert Kickl is the only Federal Chancellor.”
Opposition Warns of Cuts
Social Democrats (SPÖ) leader Andreas Babler has warned that a coalition between the FPÖ and ÖVP could lead to severe cuts to public spending. Babler accused the ÖVP of enabling Kickl’s rise and described the potential coalition as a “renewed nightmare” for Austria.
“The Social Democrats remain the force that stands side by side with the people, protecting and rebuilding our country,” Babler wrote on X.
“Inevitable,” Say NEOS
The liberal NEOS party, which triggered the crisis by withdrawing from coalition talks with the ÖVP and SPÖ last week, has described the FPÖ’s mandate as unavoidable, given the ÖVP’s U-turn on working with the far-right party.
NEOS General Secretary Douglas Hoyos questioned whether Kickl could deliver on the criticisms he has made over the years. “The FPÖ must tackle the challenges they have long denounced,” he said. NEOS has called on the incoming government to prioritise education reform, address the economic downturn and reaffirm Austria’s commitment to the EU and international human rights treaties.
Greens Accuse ÖVP of Betrayal
The Greens have accused the ÖVP of abandoning its principles to stay in power. Olga Voglauer, the party’s General Secretary, said: “The ÖVP has sacrificed its history as a pro-European and Christian-social force purely to maintain power.”
Voglauer described Kickl as “a danger to Austria” and accused him of aligning with Russia. However, she expressed confidence in Austria’s democratic resilience, saying: “Our democracy is resilient and robust, as long as we remain vigilant. We Greens will do our part to ensure this.”
Judith Pühringer and Peter Kraus, who lead the Greens in Vienna, described the FPÖ as a “far-right, anti-European party” with “worrying ties to Putin.” They criticised the ÖVP for considering a coalition with Kickl, calling it “unscrupulous voter deception.”
International Concern
The International Auschwitz Committee echoed these concerns, calling Kickl’s mandate “a grim milestone on the path to European oblivion.” The group criticised the growing support for far-right parties, describing it as “painful and outrageous.”
The human rights organisation SOS Mitmensch accused the ÖVP of enabling far-right threats to Austria’s constitution. Alexander Pollak, the group’s spokesperson, said the ÖVP’s “complete U-turn” was “unforgivable,” accusing the party of abandoning state responsibility to avoid budget cuts.
Divided Response from ÖVP Leaders
Reactions within the ÖVP have been mixed. Vorarlberg Governor Markus Wallner welcomed the news, saying, “A stable government is needed without further delay.” Salzburg Governor Wilfried Haslauer agreed.
However, Tyrol Governor Anton Mattle expressed unease, admitting he was “not happy with the developments,” while several ÖVP leaders in Vienna also voiced concern about Kickl’s mandate. However, Carinthia’s regional leader Martin Gruber argued that fresh elections would be “the wrong path.”
