Austria stands on the brink of a political shift that could significantly alter its relationship with the European Union. Herbert Kickl, a hard-line right-winger from the Freedom Party, is poised to become Austria's next chancellor, bringing with him a controversial stance on "remigration" for second- and third-generation immigrants. The EU’s response to this development? A collective shrug and a hope for the best.

 

This is a stark contrast to the EU’s reaction 25 years ago when Jörg Haider, another far-right politician, threatened to enter Austria’s government. Back then, the European Union acted swiftly, treating Austria as a pariah state. Now, with Kickl on the verge of power, EU leaders appear resigned, their main protest likely to be some awkward glances and unsmiling photos at the next summit.

 

An EU diplomat, speaking anonymously, highlighted the diminished resistance: “Will they smile when they are photographed with him? Probably not. But that will be the extent of it.” This muted reaction marks the erosion of Europe’s once-formidable cordon sanitaire, which long kept right-wing populists at bay.

 

Currently, coalition negotiations between Kickl and the center-right Austrian People’s Party are ongoing in Vienna. Meanwhile, Austria’s interim chancellor, Alexander Schallenberg, made a last-minute trip to Brussels to reassure EU partners. “Austria is and will remain a reliable, constructive, and strong partner in the European Union and around the world,” Schallenberg stated, attempting to ease growing apprehensions.

 

Despite these reassurances, concerns persist about Austria's future policies under Kickl’s leadership. However, formal protests or sanctions seem unlikely. Two EU diplomats, speculating on potential diplomatic consequences, noted that Austria might not face significant pushback, reflecting a similar stance towards Hungary. Despite Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s controversial policies and ties with Russia, the EU’s response was limited to minor diplomatic snubs.

 

One diplomat suggested that the EU should consider Article 7 proceedings against both Hungary and Austria to send a warning signal, especially with far-right figures like France's Marine Le Pen eyeing power. Yet, European Commissioner Michael McGrath’s remarks suggest a reluctance to impose harsher penalties. “It is never too late for anyone to pull back from the brink or to bring about positive change,” McGrath stated in December, highlighting a softer approach.

 

The rise of right-wing populism has shifted the EU's political landscape. The firewall that once isolated populist factions has all but collapsed. After a surge in support for such parties in last year’s European Parliament elections, mainstream EU parties now seem more willing to work with populist elements.

 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen exemplified this shift by expressing readiness to collaborate with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, despite her party’s previous anti-EU stance. Although Meloni has moderated her rhetoric, figures like Orbán and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico continue to challenge EU cohesion with pro-Russian and anti-Ukraine sentiments.

 

Kickl’s potential leadership poses another challenge. Described by diplomats as a "strict ideologue," he might prove even harder to manage than Orbán. His unwavering stance could test the EU’s ability to maintain unity and uphold its core values.

 

Frank Furedi, of the Orbán-backed think tank MCC Brussels, noted, “What happened to Jörg Haider can no longer happen anymore, that we’re going to draw a quarantine around these people.” This sentiment reflects a broader acceptance of populist figures within the EU framework. Milan Nic of the German Council on Foreign Relations warned that the growing presence of populists could shift the EU’s policymaking dynamics. “Even if you have two or three [populists at the table], it’s a totally different game than everyone ganging up on one,” Nic explained.

 

The crumbling of Europe’s anti-populist firewall is visible even within the European Commission, where right-wing politicians like Raffaele Fitto have been appointed to significant positions despite opposition from more progressive factions. As Kickl’s ascension looms, Europe faces the challenge of navigating this new political reality.

 

Based on a report by Politico 2025-01-21

 

 

10 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

Austria stands on the brink of a political shift that could significantly alter its relationship with the European Union. Herbert Kickl, a hard-line right-winger from the Freedom Party, is poised to become Austria's next chancellor, bringing with him a controversial stance on "remigration" for second- and third-generation immigrants. The EU’s response to this development? A collective shrug and a hope for the best.

 

This is a stark contrast to the EU’s reaction 25 years ago when Jörg Haider, another far-right politician, threatened to enter Austria’s government. Back then, the European Union acted swiftly, treating Austria as a pariah state. Now, with Kickl on the verge of power, EU leaders appear resigned, their main protest likely to be some awkward glances and unsmiling photos at the next summit.

 

 

An EU diplomat, speaking anonymously, highlighted the diminished resistance: “Will they smile when they are photographed with him? Probably not. But that will be the extent of it.” This muted reaction marks the erosion of Europe’s once-formidable cordon sanitaire, which long kept right-wing populists at bay.

 

Currently, coalition negotiations between Kickl and the center-right Austrian People’s Party are ongoing in Vienna. Meanwhile, Austria’s interim chancellor, Alexander Schallenberg, made a last-minute trip to Brussels to reassure EU partners. “Austria is and will remain a reliable, constructive, and strong partner in the European Union and around the world,” Schallenberg stated, attempting to ease growing apprehensions.

 

Despite these reassurances, concerns persist about Austria's future policies under Kickl’s leadership. However, formal protests or sanctions seem unlikely. Two EU diplomats, speculating on potential diplomatic consequences, noted that Austria might not face significant pushback, reflecting a similar stance towards Hungary. Despite Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s controversial policies and ties with Russia, the EU’s response was limited to minor diplomatic snubs.

 

One diplomat suggested that the EU should consider Article 7 proceedings against both Hungary and Austria to send a warning signal, especially with far-right figures like France's Marine Le Pen eyeing power. Yet, European Commissioner Michael McGrath’s remarks suggest a reluctance to impose harsher penalties. “It is never too late for anyone to pull back from the brink or to bring about positive change,” McGrath stated in December, highlighting a softer approach.

 

The rise of right-wing populism has shifted the EU's political landscape. The firewall that once isolated populist factions has all but collapsed. After a surge in support for such parties in last year’s European Parliament elections, mainstream EU parties now seem more willing to work with populist elements.

 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen exemplified this shift by expressing readiness to collaborate with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, despite her party’s previous anti-EU stance. Although Meloni has moderated her rhetoric, figures like Orbán and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico continue to challenge EU cohesion with pro-Russian and anti-Ukraine sentiments.

 

Kickl’s potential leadership poses another challenge. Described by diplomats as a "strict ideologue," he might prove even harder to manage than Orbán. His unwavering stance could test the EU’s ability to maintain unity and uphold its core values.

 

Frank Furedi, of the Orbán-backed think tank MCC Brussels, noted, “What happened to Jörg Haider can no longer happen anymore, that we’re going to draw a quarantine around these people.” This sentiment reflects a broader acceptance of populist figures within the EU framework. Milan Nic of the German Council on Foreign Relations warned that the growing presence of populists could shift the EU’s policymaking dynamics. “Even if you have two or three [populists at the table], it’s a totally different game than everyone ganging up on one,” Nic explained.

 

The crumbling of Europe’s anti-populist firewall is visible even within the European Commission, where right-wing politicians like Raffaele Fitto have been appointed to significant positions despite opposition from more progressive factions. As Kickl’s ascension looms, Europe faces the challenge of navigating this new political reality.

 

Based on a report by Politico 2025-01-21

 

 

Though he is the chancellor he doesn't have the power of an Imperator. The local parliament and the EU commission and parliament will reign him in. 

1. They are not "far right". They just aren't "far left".

2. There is nothing the EU can do to "deal with it". It's called Democracy, a concept they clearly dislike.

The EU technocrats are desperate now as they now call anyone to the right of themselves "Far Right-Wing Extremists" as they then talk about overturning elections and banning political parties of their opponents because they claim they are "Far Right-Wing Extremists."  The real extremists are those seeking to overturn elections and ban political parties in order to "Save Democracy."  It's very obvious that the status quo are the true danger to Democracy.