The far right triumphs in Austria, historic defeat for the Popolari

In Austria there is already talk of ‘Blaues Beben’, or ‘blue earthquake’. According to the exit polls, the FPOe the far-right party led by Herbert Kickl, will win the elections for the renewal of the Nationalrat, the National Council. For the FPOe it would be one historic victory which hadn’t happened since the Second World War even though it was announced over two years ago.

The far-right party is given 29.1% (13% increase compared to 2019) followed by the OeVP (the People’s Party) of the outgoing chancellor Karl Nehammer to 26.2% (down 11.2%). The Social Democrats of the SPOe came third at 20.4%, then Neos at 8.8% and the Greens at 8.6%. If the data were confirmed, it would be a historic defeat for the OeVP. In Vienna and the surrounding area there is already talk of possible coalitions which should have a minimum of 92 seats. The leader of the Austrian Social Democratic Party, Andreas Babler, said he was ready to start exploratory talks with the OeVP.

FPOe general secretary Christian Hafenecker has already implicitly called for the resignation of the OeVP leader and chancellor: “if you have suffered such a historic defeat, then there is actually only one consequence” he added. “I cannot take away your disappointment, it is difficult to represent social and Christian values ​​in public. Our task now is to look to the future. Successes and victories must be recognised. What we promised before the elections also applies after the elections”, he said. declared Nehammer at the OeVP headquarters, effectively acknowledging defeat in the national elections.

President Van der Bellen: “The parties must find a solution”

For the first time in the history of the Second Republic, the President of the Federal Republic of Austria addressed the people on the evening of the elections. “Today you have decided – began President Alexander Van der Bellen -. We live in a democratic country”. Van der Bellen then added, “I would like to thank everyone who took part in the elections, especially the thousands of voters, I would like to thank everyone in all parties who are ready to take responsibility and have the courage to stand for something , this is what I want: to want the best for our country and its people.” Speaking about the formation of the new government, Van der Bellen said: “Now the government formation phase begins, which can be compared to a high leap, the bar is set at a 50% majority in parliament.”

“As you know, no party has managed to overcome the 50% threshold on its own and now it is important to approach and negotiate to find solutions, it may take time, but it is time well spent”, continued the federal president who anticipated, “I will ask to the government in office to remain until the appointment of a new government”.