Austrian far right pledges to win Sunday's election as tight race winds up
Austrian Far-Right Leader Pledges Victory in Close Parliamentary Election #
The leader of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) has vowed to win this weekend’s parliamentary election, which would mark a historic first for the party. However, recent opinion polls suggest the race is too close to call.
The FPO has maintained a clear lead in polls for over a year, capitalizing on voters’ frustrations with above-average inflation and Austria’s struggling economy. The party has consistently focused on immigration issues as a key campaign point.
However, the conservative Austrian People’s Party (OVP), led by Chancellor Karl Nehammer, has recently narrowed the gap to within the margin of error. The OVP has sought to present Nehammer as a statesman, contrasting him with the FPO’s often polarizing leader.
At a closing campaign event in Vienna, the FPO leader delivered a populist address, claiming that the people’s support would overcome what he termed as “system” opposition. He emphasized that a victory would be unprecedented for the party, which was founded in the 1950s.
The FPO has pledged tough measures on immigration, including the creation of a “Fortress Austria” that would turn away migrants at the border and halt the granting of asylum. While the FPO and OVP share some common ground on immigration and economic policies like tax cuts, Nehammer has portrayed his rival as an extremist.
Nehammer has stated openness to a coalition with the FPO but ruled out entering a government that includes its current leader. The Chancellor may have benefited from his handling of recent severe flooding in Austria.
Given the projected results, neither party is expected to secure an absolute majority, necessitating coalition negotiations to form a stable government. The FPO’s only apparent coalition option would be the OVP, while the OVP could potentially form alliances with the FPO or explore a three-way coalition with other parties.
In his final rally, Nehammer emphasized his party’s commitment to centrist politics, stability, and problem-solving, in a clear contrast to his opponent’s approach.