The Possible Ascendency of Austria's Pro-Russia Far-Right Party: Implications and Reactions

The political landscape of Austria, a country at the center of Europe with a small population of 10 million, currently faces potential leading influence from a far-right, pro-Russia party known as the Freedom Party (FPÖ). Despite its size, Austria crucially balances power dynamics between Russia and the West. It is a crossroad, providing an environment for political and diplomatic interactions that hence significantly impact geopolitics. The election on Sunday poses the risk of shifting this balance.

The FPÖ was founded by ex-Nazi members, adding a historical aspect to this anticipated election. A victory for it stands to upset the equilibrium between Russia and the West. More so, the party's staunch opposition towards backing Ukraine against Russia raises concerns among western observers. Despite being part of the European Union, FPÖ has firm ties with Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, an opponent to the union. The party's aim to establish a right-wing axis in the European Union is worrisome, says Peter Filzmaier, a renowned political commentator and professor in Austria.

Herbert Kickl currently leads the FPÖ. The 55-year-old is known for his outspoken and provocative nature and is aptly termed as the "People’s Chancellor" by his party, a term reminiscent of the Nazi era. Kickl capitalizes on Europe's ongoing migration crisis, using immigrants as a focal point for addressing issues rooted in economic concerns, proposing an overhaul of the immigration system in favor of a Fortress Austria and Fortress Europe.

The FPÖ's potential win defies diversity, aiming for a homogenous society, as outlined in their manifesto. The party puts forth a stance that immigration poses a huge national security threat due to Islamisation. This provokes widespread repulsion across different political divides, with opponents deeming these policies xenophobic, racist, and Islamophobic.

Jewish commentators liken Kickl to a neo-Nazi, accusing him of exploiting anti-Semitic tropes. Austria's current leader, Karl Nehammer, labels Kickl as a right-wing extremist. The left-wing leader, Andreas Babler, expressed his concerns, calling Kickl extremely dangerous in a TV debate. Gabriela Bacher, an Austrian-American political campaigner and film producer, sees clear parallels between the FPÖ and former US President Donald Trump and warns about disturbing changes the FPÖ could trigger.

Observers are increasingly worried about the potential global effects of FPÖ's influence. The party has a known preference for Russia and has been advocating for an end to the sanctions on Russia as well as support for Ukraine. STRACHE, the party leader, signed a cooperation pact with Putin's United Russia party in 2016.

If FPÖ wins, Austria could form a Ukraine-skeptical bloc with Slovakia and Hungary, both which have similar ideologies to FPÖ. This election is part of a growing trend of voters in Europe leaning rightward, causing a rejection of mainstream centralists over various issues, including immigration, the economy, and culture wars.

With the FPÖ polling marginally ahead of other parties, there's pressure regarding possible coalition formations, especially given the party's notoriety. Parties and organizations are striving to block such collaborations, emphasizing the significance of the republic's stakes in the election.