Pro-Russian radicals from Austria start coalition talks. Although the Freedom Party of Austria has co-founded the government many times, Vienna has never had such an extreme right-wing and populist chancellor as it may now. Initially, a political security cordon was created around the radicals, but it broke when the talks between the Christian Democrats, Social Democrats and Liberals ended in failure. And it is the Christian Democrats who can now enter into a coalition with the extreme right. Thousands of Austrians are protesting against such governments.
No one was supposed to start talks with him – pro-Russian radicals were supposed to be isolated on the political scene, but now Austrian Christian Democrats are sitting down for talks with them, and thousands of protesting Austrians are trying to torpedo these negotiations.
– I'm afraid we're losing our democracy. Austria will become the second Hungary and will be completely destroyed economically and politically. I appeal to the Austrian People's Party not to form this coalition, says Peter Mair, a participant of the demonstration in Vienna.
Demonstrations in the largest cities in Austria
These concerns were heard during demonstrations in the largest cities in Austria: Vienna, Graz, Salzburg and Innsbruck. According to the police, 25,000 people gathered in the capital. Organizers claim that there were twice as many demonstrators.
– This is a turning point in Austria's history. Something has fallen apart in our country, says Erich Fenninger, organizer of the “Volkshilfe Österreich” demonstration.
Is Austria about to turn right and at the same time towards the Kremlin? Justyna Kazimierczak/Fakty o Świecie TVN24 BiS
Because for the first time in Austria, a government led by the far-right and populist Freedom Party of Austria may be formed.
– No more games, no more tricks, no more sabotage, no more obstruction, no more policies aimed at staying in power. It is time for a policy of real change and reconstruction. It's time for the beginning of a new era – announces Herbert Kickl, leader of the Freedom Party of Austria.
These radicals won the September parliamentary elections, but the remaining forces formed a political cordon around them. Karl Nehammer of the conservative Austrian People's Party tried for months to form a coalition with the Social Democrats and Liberals. Ultimately he died. He resigned as chancellor and resigned from the leadership of the party.
At the beginning of the week, the President of Austria entrusted right-wing populists with the mission of forming a government.
– It wasn't an easy decision for me. I will continue to ensure that the principles and rules of our constitution are respected, assures Alexander Van der Bellen, President of Austria.
The Freedom Party of Austria strongly sympathizes with the Kremlin
The president has just entrusted the duties of chancellor to the current foreign minister. He previously explained that he gave the radicals a chance to govern because after the change of government in the Austrian People's Party, the Christian Democrats were ready to form a coalition with the extreme right. They themselves promise that in such a government they would be a democratic fuse.
– This means the independence of the judiciary, the protection of fundamental rights, freedom of speech and – although this is not the least important, bearing in mind our Austrian history – the fight against anti-Semitism – says Christian Stocker, leader of the Austrian People's Party.
But the Freedom Party of Austria strongly sympathizes with the Kremlin. Nine years ago, they concluded a friendship agreement with United Russia, Vladimir Putin's party. Herbert Kickl wants to limit aid to Ukraine, is a Eurosceptic and holds radical views on migration. He himself admitted that he was strongly inspired by Viktor Orban.
– I do not want the orbanization of Austria. I want democracy and respect for human rights, says Petra, a participant of the demonstration in Vienna.
– I am terrified that migrants may be deported. For me, no human being is illegal. I am also afraid that social policy will be dismantled. Kickl wants to cut many benefits and also the issue of climate protection – points out Sarah Schembera, a participant of the demonstration in Vienna.
The far right is stronger than ever before
Right-wing radicals have already co-founded governments in Austria, most recently when Sebastian Kurz was chancellor, but then the People's Party was the dominant force in the government. Now the position of the far right is much stronger, and they still have a political ace up their sleeve.
– My position is very clear: if the talks fail, there will be new elections. We are ready for them, says Herbert Kickl, leader of the Freedom Party of Austria.
And according to polls, if early elections were held in Austria, the far right would receive an even better result than in last year's vote.
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/MAX SLOVENCIK