The Rise of the Far Right in Austria: A Case Study in Democratic Erosion
The Austrian political landscape has been marked by a steady rise of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), culminating in their victory in the September 2024 parliamentary elections. This unprecedented win, which placed the FPÖ as the leading political force for the first time in the Second Republic’s history, followed a series of electoral successes in EU, regional, and prior national elections. The FPÖ’s ascent has been a source of growing concern, prompting questions about the future of Austrian democracy and its implications for the wider European political spectrum. This situation isn’t entirely unexpected. The FPÖ’s growing popularity was evident in previous elections, signaling a shift in the Austrian political landscape. Their success in Styria, gaining the governorship, further solidified their growing influence. The concern is that this marks a trend toward right-wing extremism, mirroring similar political shifts observed across Europe and beyond.
Following the election, conventional political protocols dictated that the three largest parties explore potential coalition formations. However, the FPÖ, led by the controversial Herbert Kickl, was deemed an unacceptable partner by all other parties. Consequently, the second-largest party, the conservative Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), was tasked with forming a government. Their attempts to negotiate with the social-democratic SPÖ and the liberal NEOS ultimately collapsed. This failure created a political impasse, further complicated by the resignation of Chancellor Karl Nehammer. The subsequent decision by the ÖVP to reverse its position and enter negotiations with the FPÖ dramatically altered the political landscape. This unexpected turn of events raised concerns about the ÖVP’s commitment to democratic principles and opened the door for the FPÖ’s entry into government.
Understanding the current political climate in Austria requires examining the events of the past five years. The 2019 Ibiza Affair, involving a video of then-FPÖ leader and Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache engaging in corrupt dealings, significantly damaged the FPÖ’s reputation. The affair presented then-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, leader of the ÖVP, with a strategic opportunity. By calling for a snap election, Kurz aimed to capitalize on the FPÖ’s weakened position. However, Kurz publicly justified the break-up of the ÖVP-FPÖ coalition not solely on the Ibiza scandal but also on concerns about Herbert Kickl’s actions as Interior Minister, particularly a police raid on the intelligence service. This raid severely compromised Austria’s international intelligence cooperation and led to a restructuring of the intelligence agency.
The Ibiza Affair initially crippled the FPÖ. However, the party experienced a resurgence during the COVID-19 pandemic under the leadership of Herbert Kickl. Kickl strategically aligned himself with anti-science, anti-vaccine, and conspiracy theory movements, further solidifying his position within the party. Despite facing another setback when President Alexander Van der Bellen pledged to block Kickl’s appointment as chancellor, the political landscape shifted once more. Kurz’s downfall, due to various scandals, and the ÖVP’s subsequent coalition with the Greens, who campaigned vigorously against Kickl, ultimately proved insufficient to prevent the FPÖ’s electoral triumph. This unexpected turn of events placed Kickl in a position of power, despite the President’s prior assurances.
Herbert Kickl stands in stark contrast to his predecessors within the FPÖ. While other politicians often publicize their personal lives, Kickl remains remarkably private. Described as disciplined and strategic, he is a career politician with a long parliamentary history, reflecting the irony of an establishment critic entrenched within the system. Kickl’s political career began as a speechwriter for Jörg Haider, and he has held influential positions under successive party leaders. His long tenure within the party sets him apart from many of his contemporaries. Interestingly, Kickl is not a member of the nationalist student fraternities (Burschenschaften) that form the academic backbone of the FPÖ. Despite this, he maintains close ties with these groups. Several individuals within his circle have been implicated in scandals involving SS songs and associations with radical conservative figures like Martin Sellner, raising concerns about the nature of Kickl’s network.
Kickl’s rhetoric is characterized by a chilling blend of violence and mockery, reminiscent of historical demagogues. He frequently threatens opponents with physical harm, often accompanied by a dismissive laugh, leaving little doubt about the underlying menace. His labeling of political adversaries as "traitors," his self-proclaimed title of "Volkskanzler" (People’s Chancellor), and his boasting about a list of 2,000 individuals who would face consequences upon his rise to power all echo historical precedents with disturbing implications. These actions raise significant concerns about the potential for authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic norms.
The FPÖ’s platform champions policies like "remigration," a thinly veiled euphemism for mass deportation, mirroring similar rhetoric employed by the German far-right party AfD. This rhetoric, coupled with notions of "Fortress Europe" and "Fortress Austria," reflects the party’s hardline stance on immigration. The FPÖ’s close ties to Russia, their history of financial scandals, and their denial of climate change and the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic further contribute to their controversial image. They represent a model that the AfD aspires to emulate. The failed coalition negotiations left a substantial budget deficit, which further complicates the political landscape. The differing approaches to addressing this deficit highlight the ideological divides between the parties. The NEOS and ÖVP favored spending cuts, targeting areas like accident insurance, pensions, and wages, while the SPÖ advocated for increased taxes on the wealthy, banks, and energy companies. This disagreement on economic policy ultimately led to the collapse of negotiations.
The FPÖ’s success stems from public frustration over rising living costs, stagnant wealth, a declining economy, and a crisis in the post-war system. The FPÖ capitalizes on this discontent, portraying themselves as a solution to these complex problems. Four decades of neoliberal policies have created an environment of increasing insecurity and competition, a fertile ground for the rise of far-right parties. These parties present themselves as a rebellion against the perceived failures of the status quo, appealing to a sense of disillusionment and anxiety. Austria now faces a precarious future under an FPÖ-led government. Areas like education, healthcare, culture, and social programs are likely to be the first casualties. Cuts will be justified by blaming immigrants and the left, further polarizing society. Increased scrutiny of teachers and artists, coupled with reduced public services and increased out-of-pocket expenses, are likely consequences. Resources will be redirected from the vulnerable to the affluent. This shift aligns Austria with the broader authoritarian trend seen in figures like Viktor Orbán, Vladimir Putin, and Donald Trump.
The FPÖ’s victory sends a strong signal ahead of other upcoming elections, including in Germany and France, highlighting the growing influence of far-right movements across Europe. Herbert Kickl’s strategic acumen and discipline pose a significant threat to democratic values. If unchecked, he could shape a new generation of far-right politicians, pushing them toward further radicalization. The escalating extremism of these movements fuels their support, creating a dangerous cycle. Democratic parties must resist the urge to passively observe this disturbing trend. They need to offer a positive, optimistic, and credible alternative to the status quo, emphasizing solidarity and a clear vision for the future. This proactive approach is essential to counter the authoritarian drift across Europe. The Austrian situation serves as a stark warning. Addressing the root causes of discontent, offering viable solutions, and actively defending democratic principles are crucial to prevent the further erosion of democratic values.
