The electorate has spoken clearly: the majority desires a center-right government led by the Freedom Party of Austria (FPO),” said former FPO MEP Andreas Moelzer in an interview with Sputnik. His comments followed Sunday’s election, where the FPO nearly doubled its seats from 31 to 58, while the governing coalition of the Austrian People’s Party (OVP) and the Greens lost their parliamentary majority.
According to Moelzer, the shift was driven by dissatisfaction with several key OVP/Green policies, particularly on immigration. “Many Austrians are concerned that their children and grandchildren may struggle to preserve their national and cultural identity due to unchecked mass immigration in recent years,” he explained. “There is widespread frustration with the European Union’s inability or unwillingness to secure its external borders.”
Moelzer also noted growing discontent with Brussels’ increasing influence and fears over Austria’s loss of sovereignty. Another major issue was the government’s strict Covid-era policies, including lockdowns and mandatory vaccinations.
Moelzer highlighted Austria’s neutrality as a critical concern, particularly in light of the current government’s support for EU sanctions against Russia and participation in NATO’s ‘Sky Shield’ project. “The sanctions have significantly worsened inflation, and Austria’s neutrality is being eroded. For most Austrians, neutrality remains crucial,” he emphasized.
Despite the FPO’s success, OVP Chancellor Karl Nehammer has ruled out forming a coalition with them. However, Moelzer believes that if the FPO stays in opposition, it will become an even more potent force, particularly on issues like immigration and the Ukraine conflict.