An Austrian far-right party with historical ties to Nazism is on the verge of gaining power

Austria’s upcoming election on Sunday presents the possibility of a far-right, pro-Russia party, the FPÖ, founded by former Nazis, winning. This victory could have significant implications due to Austria’s historical background and unique geopolitical position at the heart of Europe. The FPÖ’s xenophobic and racist ideologies, coupled with its strong ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, have raised concerns among Western nations. The party’s leader, Herbert Kickl, has capitalized on Europe’s migration crisis, proposing extreme measures such as “Fortress Austria” to address the issue. These policies have been criticized as xenophobic, racist, and Islamophobic, with some even labeling Kickl as a “neo-Nazi.” Austria’s current leader, Karl Nehammer, has called the FPÖ a “right-wing extremist,” while others consider them to be “extremely dangerous.” The FPÖ’s sympathetic stance towards Russia has also raised alarms about potential leaks of Western secrets. Despite the FPÖ leading the polls, forming a coalition government with other major groups seems unlikely due to their strong opposition. This rightward lurch across Europe is reflected in the FPÖ’s return, with voters increasingly rejecting mainstream centrists on various critical issues. A coalition government is anticipated post-election, but the FPÖ’s vilification by opponents presents a challenge to forming alliances. Organizations like “A Promise for the Republic” are working to prevent collaboration with the FPÖ, emphasizing the republic’s future at stake in this election.

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