Far right wins close Austria election, a boost for Putin
NBCSep 29
Austria's Freedom Party Wins General Election
story
Above: Herbert Kickl (C) is celebrated by supporters at the party's election event after exit poll numbers were announced on Sept. 29, 2024. Image copyright: Alex Halada/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Austria's Freedom Party (FPÖ) secured the most votes in national elections held on Sunday, becoming the largest group in parliament for the first time. However, the results remained far short of a majority.
Under the leadership of Herbert Kickl, Austria's former interior minister, the FPÖ campaigned on a platform that included curbing migration and pledging neutrality in foreign conflicts.
The Spin
Right narrative
Voters have had their say in Austria, and they have chosen the FPÖ. Mainstream parties, however, are set to form a grand coalition so as to leave the most popular party out of government, disregarding the people's will. They may well claim that the FPÖ is a threat to democracy, but it's the establishment suppressing democracy in the nation.
Left narrative
This was the most critical election in Europe this year, and the results are pretty concerning, as the neofascist FPÖ won most seats in parliament. If the FPÖ agrees to build a coalition government with its longtime partner ÖVP, Austria would be in dire straits under far-right leadership. Hopefully, Kickl will be rejected as chancellor.
