Establishment parties in Europe faced another blow on Sunday as Austria's National Council elections saw the populist Freedom Party (FPÖ) come in first place for the first time in history. Key issues such as mass migration, the EU-wide economic downturn, and opposition to supporting the war in Ukraine helped propel the FPÖ to an estimated 29.2% of the vote.
Led by former interior minister Herbert Kickl, the FPÖ beat the governing Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), which secured 26%, and the left-wing Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), which garnered 21%. The NEOS and Greens trailed with 9% and 8%, respectively, according to *Kronen Zeitung*. Initial projections estimate 58 seats for the FPÖ, followed by 52 for the ÖVP and 41 for the SPÖ.
In a snap survey by Austrian networks ATV and Puls 24, the FPÖ’s support showed little gender disparity, with 28% of women and 30% of men backing the party. The FPÖ also dominated in rural areas, small towns, and suburbs, while left-leaning parties performed best in major cities.
Kickl, a vocal critic of open borders and an advocate for strict immigration policies, including “remigration,” expressed gratitude to voters and affirmed his party's readiness to govern. “My big thanks go to the citizens. It was not easy to go against this political system. The voter has delivered a powerful message,” Kickl said.
While the result marks a historic moment for the FPÖ, its 29% share is only marginally higher than its previous peak in 1999. Nevertheless, the outcome reflects a broader weakening of traditional parties, with the FPÖ's first-place finish marking the lowest share for any winning party since 2013.
Despite its victory, the FPÖ faces challenges in forming a coalition. Chancellor Karl Nehammer of the ÖVP has already ruled out working with Kickl, labeling him a “conspiracy theorist.” Instead, there are growing calls for a left-right coalition to block the FPÖ from power, a move seen increasingly across Europe.
Even if Nehammer brokers a coalition, the collaboration of losing parties may play into Kickl’s hands, setting the stage for a stronger showing in future elections. Political analysts suggest that attempts to sideline the FPÖ could further bolster its support.
Populist leaders across Europe have hailed the FPÖ's win as a step toward reshaping EU politics. Geert Wilders, a key figure in Dutch politics, celebrated the victory, proclaiming on X: “We are winning! Times are changing!”
The FPÖ has previously held government positions, but its 2019 coalition collapsed amid the “Ibiza Affair,” involving allegations of corruption in party financing. Despite past setbacks, the party's resurgence underscores the shifting political landscape in Austria and across Europe.
