Austria could soon see Herbert Kickl, leader of the Freedom Party (FPÖ), take the reins as chancellor, sending ripples across the European Union. Kickl’s policies, echoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s hardline approach, are expected to challenge Brussels and strengthen Hungary’s position within the bloc.
Kickl openly admires Orbán, calling him a “role model,” and shares his views on several contentious issues. Like Orbán, Kickl opposes sanctions on Russia, advocates for peace in Ukraine, and supports a return to Russian gas. He’s also firmly against the EU’s Green Deal and progressive policies, favoring a tough stance on immigration and a rollback of asylum rights.
Politico warns that an Austria led by Kickl could form a powerful alliance with Hungary and Slovakia, amplifying resistance to EU decisions requiring unanimous approval. “Hungary and Austria combined could be a force to be reckoned with,” the publication notes, predicting that Ukraine aid and sanctions could be among the first casualties of this new coalition.
Austria’s historical reputation as the EU’s black sheep isn’t new. Back in 2000, Jörg Haider’s FPÖ coalition led to diplomatic freezes from EU member states. However, a Kickl-led government poses a much greater challenge, with the potential to fundamentally disrupt Brussels’ priorities.
Kickl’s stance on immigration is particularly alarming to EU officials. He aims to preserve Austria’s cultural “homogeneity” by suspending asylum rights and using emergency laws. He’s also threatened to withhold Austria’s EU payments unless the bloc strengthens its external borders.
The rise of Kickl could have broader implications. Politico highlights how his leadership might inspire Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) to demand similar coalitions, threatening the firewall maintained by Germany’s Christian Democrats (CDU). FPÖ’s growing influence could serve as a model for anti-globalist movements across Europe.
For Brussels, Kickl’s potential leadership isn’t just an irritant—it’s a looming challenge to its unity and decision-making power, particularly as Kickl’s Austria looks set to align closely with Orbán’s Hungary in defiance of the EU establishment.
