Freedom Party of Austria

Thousands of people protested in Austria's capital Vienna against a possible return to power for the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), which topped national elections on Sept. 29.

The FPOe won almost 29 percent of the vote in the last week's general election, ahead of the conservative People's Party (OeVP) with just over 26 percent.

Austria's far-right Freedom Party, a party rooted in Nazi ideology, just celebrated an unprecedented election victory on Sunday night, with its leader talking about a new era for the far right. This is seen as another worrying sign for Europe, as a surge by populist far-right forces shows no sign of slowing down.

Herbert Kickl, leader of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), described the historic victory in Sunday’s elections as the beginning of a new era.

Kickl’s party secured 29.2% of the vote and 58 seats in parliament, although this does not grant them a majority (Austria’s parliament has 183 seats).

With all ballots now counted, Austria's far-right Freedom Party has secured nearly 29 percent of the vote, marking its first victory in parliamentary elections. Despite the win, it remains unclear if the party will lead the next government, as it is viewed as an undesirable partner by most other parliamentary parties.

Herbert Kickl (C), leader and top candidate of right-wing populist Freedom Party of Austria (FPOe) addresses supporters at the party's election event after exit poll numbers were announced at the Stiegl-Ambulanz restaurant in Vienna, Austria on Sept. 29, 2024, during Austria's general election.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Sunday announced he wanted to form a new EU parliament alliance, together with Austria's far-right party and the Czech centrist group of ex-premier Andrej Babis.

As Bulgaria anticipates the full integration into the Schengen Agreement, a potential hurdle looms on the horizon, suggesting delays that could extend beyond the initially projected 2025 timeline.

Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen won a second term with an absolute majority of 54.6 percent of the votes in the elections for the head of state, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.

Van der Bellen's result means he will not have to contest a run-off.

By asking on the Facebook profile "If Ukraine, Albania and Kosovo join the EU, then should we leave?" The youth of the Freedom Party of Austria (FP) has resumed discussions on Austria's withdrawal from the EU.
FP MEP Harald Vilimski apparently shares the same opinion, as he liked the announcement.

Austria's former vice-chancellor and longtime leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) stands trial for alleged corruption on July 6, in a case linked to a scandal that brought down the government.