Austrians Vote for New Parliament Amid Economic Concerns

Austrians are voting for a new parliament, with the far-right Freedom Party aiming for a win against the ruling conservatives amid concerns over the economy and immigration.

Austrians are heading to the polls to elect a new parliament. The far-right Freedom Party (FPO) hopes to win its first general election. This election is very close, as the ruling conservatives, known as the Austrian People's Party (OVP), are also in the running.

Many voters are worried about the economy and immigration. These issues have shaped the election campaign. For months, the FPO led the opinion polls, but recently its lead over the OVP has become very small. 

Chancellor Karl Nehammer is trying to present himself as a strong leader. He wants to show that FPO leader Herbert Kickl is a dangerous rival.

No matter who wins, it is expected that neither party will get an absolute majority. This means that the winning party will have to form a coalition government with others. Polls opened on Sunday morning, and the first projections of the results will be released just after the polls close at 5 PM. The final results will be refined over the next few hours.

Political science professor Kathrin Stainer-Haemmerle says, "What's at stake is whether the FPO will appoint the chancellor or not." She added that if the FPO wins, it could change Austria's role in the European Union (EU). Kickl has often said that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is a role model for him. Kickl has promised to support Orban if he becomes chancellor.

If the FPO wins, it would join a growing number of countries in the EU where far-right parties are gaining support. Countries like the Netherlands, France, and Germany have also seen this trend. The FPO is known for its Eurosceptic views, which means it is not very supportive of the EU. The party is also friendly towards Russia and has criticized Islam. The FPO wants to introduce tougher rules for asylum seekers.

In June, the FPO won a national vote for the first time by beating the OVP by less than a percentage point in European elections. Both the OVP and the FPO support stricter immigration rules and tax cuts. However, Chancellor Nehammer has said that his party will not join a government that includes Kickl.

Austria’s President Alexander Van der Bellen oversees the formation of new governments. He has expressed concerns about the FPO because of its negative views about the EU and its failure to strongly condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The FPO does not support EU sanctions against Russia, saying it is because of Austria's neutral stance.

President Van der Bellen has hinted that he might stop Kickl from becoming chancellor. He noted that the constitution does not require him to ask the party that gets the most votes to form a government, even though that is usually what happens.

The FPO has promised to stop granting asylum altogether. They want to build a "fortress Austria" to prevent migrants from entering the country. Many people think that this plan would not be legal or practical.

Chancellor Nehammer has portrayed Kickl as a conspiracy theorist who criticizes from the sidelines while he manages the country. Nehammer, who is 51 years old, has led a coalition with the left-wing Greens since 2021. However, this alliance has been difficult, as the economy is struggling and inflation is worrying many voters.

As the votes are counted, the eyes of the country are on how the results will shape Austria's future. Will the FPO become the leading party? Or will the ruling OVP maintain its position? The outcome of this election could significantly change Austria’s path, especially regarding immigration and its role in the EU. As voters make their choices, the world will watch closely to see what direction Austria takes next.