This election result aligns with the recent support for right-wing populist movements in EU countries that oppose immigration, the European Union, and sanctions against Russia due to the war in Ukraine. This victory has made the FPÖ one of the most important pro-Russian voices in Central Europe.
With this result, the coalition of conservatives and Greens lost its majority. The Austrian shift to the right also matches recent regional election results in eastern German states, where the right-wing radical AfD emerged as the largest party.
The Austrian coalition talks are expected to be difficult and complex. The two other major parties, the centre-right Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) led by Karl Nehammer and the Social Democratic SPÖ, are hesitant about a coalition with FPÖ leader Kickl.
The conservative-liberal ÖVP, which finished second with 26% of the vote, appears divided over whether to cooperate with the FPÖ. The Social Democratic SPÖ, which garnered 23% of the votes, has clearly ruled out any cooperation with the FPÖ.
It is also possible that the FPÖ will remain on the sidelines despite their victory. If the ÖVP and SPÖ form a coalition with smaller parties, such as the Greens or the liberal NEOS, the FPÖ could be sidelined. However, this option would be politically risky, as the FPÖ might then strengthen its position as the largest opposition party, further solidifying its influence over time.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the direction Austria will take and how this may affect broader European political dynamics. The risk of political instability looms, while Austrian citizens and the rest of Europe watch closely as negotiations unfold.
Internationally, the FPÖ has the support of several other right-wing parties in Europe, such as the German AfD and the Dutch PVV, while other EU leaders worry about the increasing influence of pro-Russian sentiments in Central Europe. With the FPÖ’s victory, alongside similar parties in Hungary and Slovakia, a strong bloc of Russia-friendly governments is emerging in the region.