Will the FPO Seize the Moment?
As Austria teeters on the brink of a political crisis, the country’s future hangs in the balance. With the President set to meet with the FPO’s Herbert Kickl to discuss the future of government formation, uncertainty surrounds the country’s political course.
In an exclusive interview with RT DE, Austrian journalist Chris Weber shares his insights on the current crisis, seeing both a challenge and an opportunity for a sustainable political solution.
Austria has been pushed to the wall, with a debt of 400 billion euros, a staggering increase from 200 billion in the past decade. This economic alarm bell is a direct result of the unstable governments of the past, including the failed coalition under Sebastian Kurz, which has led to a structural problem that cannot be solved with short-term solutions.
Weber believes a stable coalition is the only way forward, even if it’s a difficult path. He dismisses the possibility of a collaboration between Herbert Kickl and Sebastian Kurz, citing the deep-seated political differences between the two.
The current political situation is indeed favorable for the FPO, with Weber predicting the party could surpass the 40% mark in a new election. This is why the ÖVP is doing everything in its power to avoid new elections, fearing further losses.
A “blau-schwarze” coalition, with Herbert Kickl as Chancellor, is becoming increasingly likely, with the ÖVP likely to compromise on FPO demands to save its remaining votes.
The Austrian people’s voting behavior has shown a clear rightward shift, with two-thirds of voters supporting right-leaning or liberal parties in the last election, including the FPO, ÖVP, and Neos.
“This has not been forgotten by the population” Weber emphasizes, referring to the mismatch between voter support and government formation. This has eroded trust in the political class, potentially benefiting the FPO.
In the face of this political rightward shift, the FPO has established itself as a stable actor, while the ÖVP and SPÖ struggle with internal conflicts and political uncertainty. The FPO could emerge not only as a political winner but also strengthen its position.
The coming days may mark a turning point in Austrian politics, with the upcoming meeting between Herbert Kickl and Alexander Van der Bellen offering a chance to reset the political course. Whether a stable coalition is formed or the crisis escalates, only time will tell.
The FPO will likely emerge as a winner from this crisis, whether through government participation or further growth in potential new elections. Austria’s future will be significantly shaped by the strength and decisions of the FPO.