Austrian politics at a crossroads: Kickl eyes chancellorship
Pro-Russian radical Herbert Kickl, leader of the Freedom Party of Austria, is nearing the position of chancellor, according to Jakub Bielamowicz from the Institute of New Europe, in an interview with PAP. The Austrian politician has been in the spotlight due to his anti-EU and anti-vaccine views.
Following unsuccessful talks on forming a government coalition, Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced his resignation from the position of head of the government and chairman of the OeVP. Earlier, the liberals from NEOS withdrew from the discussions, and the Social Democrats from the SPOe ultimately undermined the negotiations. Bielamowicz emphasises that Nehammer's decision was not a surprise as, for weeks, dark clouds had been gathering over the three-party coalition project.
According to the expert, the three-party coalition was Nehammer's only chance to remain in the chancellor's chair. However, programmatic differences between OeVP, SPOe, and NEOS proved insurmountable. OeVP wanted to increase VAT, SPOe intended to introduce new taxes, while NEOS opposed all new "levies." Additionally, internal pressure within the OeVP for a coalition with the FPOe contributed to Nehammer's resignation.
Will Kickl become Austria's chancellor?
Bielamowicz predicts that the coming days will be crucial for the future of Austrian politics. Nehammer remains chancellor until an orderly transfer of power. President Alexander Van der Bellen may appoint a technical chancellor until a new majority is formed.
The analyst points to two possible scenarios for Austria: Kickl taking the chancellorship or early elections.
With Nehammer's resignation, the door to the Chancellery opens much wider for the leader of the Freedom Party, Herbert Kickl. On the other hand, there may be a temptation among FPOe politicians to wait for new elections and exploit the incompetence of mainstream parties, explained Bielamowicz.
The FPOe, which gained 28.8% of the votes, can expect an increase in support to 35-37%. The last obstacle for Kickl could be President Van der Bellen, who opposes his candidacy. However, if Kickl secures a majority in the National Council, the president will have to swear him in.
As argued by Van der Bellen, the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats accuse the Freedom Party of Austria of extremism, close ties with Russia, a desire to limit the role of women in public life, and using language that deepens social divisions.
Kickl himself was one of the propagators of conspiracy theories during the coronavirus pandemic (claiming that the sick should use a dog dewormer), and after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, he opposed sanctions against Russia. He also wants, among other things, Austria to leave the EU migration pact.
