The victory of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) in Sunday’s parliamentary elections has triggered strong responses from political leaders and cultural figures, both within Austria and across Europe, with reactions ranging from praise to condemnation.

According to preliminary results, the FPÖ led the race with approximately 29% of the vote, followed by the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP), the Social Democrats (SPÖ), NEOS, and the Green Party. The FPÖ’s success is being hailed by right-wing leaders across Europe as a sign of the growing strength of populist movements.

European Right-Wing Leaders Congratulate FPÖ

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Alternative for Germany (AfD) chairwoman Alice Weidel, France’s Rassemblement National leaders, Dutch populist Geert Wilders, and Matteo Salvini, leader of Italy’s Lega, were among those who congratulated FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl.

Orbán, a long-time ally of Kickl, took to X, writing in English: “Another win for the #Patriots: a historic victory for #FPÖ in #Austria! Congratulations to Herbert Kickl!” The FPÖ is a key part of Orbán’s new right-wing alliance, Patriots for Europe.

AfD’s Alice Weidel similarly expressed her congratulations on X, sharing a picture of herself alongside Kickl, saying: “The FPÖ is, according to first projections, the strongest force! Congratulations to Herbert Kickl and the FPÖ.”

Matteo Salvini, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Lega leader, described the day as “historic” and praised the FPÖ as “historic allies of the Lega in Europe.” He added: “For those who speak of the ‘far-right’, we remind them that in Vienna (as in almost all of Europe), extremism simply means a desire for change, with work, family, and security at the heart of it.”

Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s Rassemblement National and head of the far-right Patriots faction in the European Parliament, wrote on X: “The government they will form will prioritise the sovereignty, prosperity, and identity of their country.” Bardella also shared a photo of himself with Kickl. Marine Le Pen, leader of the Rassemblement National, also expressed her joy at the FPÖ’s win, calling them “our allies in the European Parliament.”

Dutch populist Geert Wilders also congratulated the FPÖ on X, saying: “Netherlands, Hungary, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, France, Spain, Czech Republic and today Austria! We are winning! Times are changing! Identity, sovereignty, freedom and no more illegal immigration/asylum – this is what millions of Europeans are yearning for!”

Spain’s far-right Vox leader Santiago Abascal celebrated the FPÖ’s victory, writing: “The patriotic and freedom-loving movement is on the rise in Europe, despite foolish campaigns and ridiculous disqualifications by the media.”

Austrian Cultural Figures Express Shock

The election results also sent shockwaves through Austria’s cultural scene, with prominent figures voicing their concerns.

Nobel Laureate Elfriede Jelinek responded succinctly, stating: “Everything has been said, except: Announced catastrophes happen.”

Award-winning author Julya Rabinowich commented: “SS songs, hit lists, love for Putin: nearly 30% of voters didn’t care about any of that. Or even desired it. We are now in a painfully undefined limbo between a black-blue coalition, a grand coalition, and a traffic light coalition. The future of the country is now in many hands. Let them rise to their responsibilities. It won’t be easy. But then, what is easy apart from populism?”

Marie Rötzer, Artistic Director of the Lower Austrian State Theatre, was equally concerned, saying: “The election result is a shock to me, but also a long-known reflection of Austrian society that one would prefer to ignore. I fear that a ‘People’s Chancellor’, who seeks to turn Austria into a fortress within Europe, will restrict both individual freedom and cultural freedom, including work in theatre. We can already see what nationalist governments mean for culture in Hungary and Slovakia, where cultural institutions are being brought into line with party politics, and our colleagues there can no longer work freely.”