Austria’s next parliamentary election is scheduled for Sept. 29, as announced by the government nearing the end of its five-year term. This announcement follows a notable victory for the far-right Freedom Party in the recent European Parliament election, where they edged out Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s Austrian People’s Party.
In the European election, the Freedom Party won 25.4% of the vote, marking their first nationwide victory. The People’s Party trailed closely with 24.5%. Recent polls suggest that the Freedom Party is expected to widen this lead in the upcoming general election.
Chancellor Nehammer has responded to his party’s loss by acknowledging widespread public dissatisfaction. He vowed to address key voter concerns, particularly around migration and government overregulation, in the months leading up to the election.
The last national election in Austria occurred in September 2019, after then-chancellor Sebastian Kurz ended the coalition between the People’s Party and the Freedom Party. This decision was triggered by a scandal involving Freedom Party leader Heinz-Christian Strache, who was filmed offering government contracts to a supposed Russian investor.
As Austria heads towards the September election, the political environment is increasingly favorable to right-wing parties. The Freedom Party’s recent success and the projected lead in the polls suggest a potential shift in Austria’s political landscape, highlighting critical issues like immigration and regulatory policies. The outcome of this election will significantly influence Austria’s approach to these and other pressing matters.
