Austria’s Freedom Party (FPO) has claimed its first-ever general election victory, securing 28.8% of the vote, according to preliminary results.
Led by 55-year-old Herbert Kickl, the party has capitalised on growing concerns over immigration and the economy, reflecting a wider European trend of increasing support for far-right movements.
The FPO’s triumph places it ahead of Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s conservative Austrian People’s Party (OVP), which garnered 26.3%, while the centre-left Social Democrats (SPO) took third place with 21.1%.
The election result, confirmed by pollster Foresight for broadcaster ORF, marks a significant moment in Austrian politics, as the FPO has been steadily gaining ground through its Eurosceptic, Russia-friendly stance. This win further illustrates the shift in Europe towards populist parties amid rising immigration tensions.
Photo: x.com/FPOE_TV