Austria’s far-right Freedom Party wins local elections in the state of Styria for the first time, shortly after voting closed.
This victory is a show of strength on behalf of the FPÖ, in the wake of the parliamentary elections in September. While the talks to form a coalition government without his participation continue.
Today’s election, Sunday 24 November, in Styria, home to Austria’s second city, Graz, has little direct national impact. But they are increasing pressure on party leaders trying to form a three-way coalition government for the first time since 1949.
Styria is only the second state to be won by the Eurosceptic, pro-Russian FPÖ. The first was Carinthia, the stronghold of then-leader Gerg Haider in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
«The victory in Styria is sweeping. I did not expect such a resounding resultFPÖ deputy leader in Styria, Stefan Herrmann, told national broadcaster ORF.
Estimates and polls
A screening of the Foresight poll for ORF and the APA news agency showed the FPÖ in first place with 35.3%. The conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) follows with 26.6%. The estimate, based on a 70% vote count, had a margin of error of one unit.
It is the first time since the Second World War that neither the ÖVP nor the Social Democrats (SPÖ) have won in Styria, a state bordering Slovenia.
The FPÖ in Austria will, however, need a partner to control a majority of seats in the local parliament and form a government.
In contrast to national elections, after which the Austrian president decides to whom he will entrust the formation of the government. In Styria the winning party, in this case the Freedom Party FPÖ, is automatically invited to form a local government.
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**Given the FPÖ’s Eurosceptic stance and pro-Russian leanings, how might their control over Styria influence the region’s economic and political ties with the European Union?**
## World Today News: Interview – The Rise of the Freedom Party in Styria
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we delve into the recent local elections in Styria, Austria, where the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) secured a historic victory. To help us understand the implications of this result, we’re joined by two esteemed guests: Dr. Franziska Berger, a political scientist specializing in European populism, and Mr. Andreas Schmidt, a Viennese journalist with extensive coverage of Austrian politics.
**Section 1: Decoding the Styrian Victory**
**(Interviewer to Dr. Berger):** Dr. Berger, the FPÖ’s win in Styria marks the second time a state in Austria has fallen to a Eurosceptic, pro-Russian party. What factors contributed to this resurgence of the FPÖ, particularly in a traditionally conservative region?
**(Interviewer to Mr. Schmidt):** Mr. Schmidt, you’ve been analyzing Austrian politics for years. Were there any specific events or trends leading up to this election that signaled a potential FPÖ victory?
**Section 2: National Implications & the Coalition Dilemma**
**(Interviewer to Mr. Schmidt):** While these elections are local, they’re raising eyebrows across Austria. The ongoing attempts to form a coalition government exclude the FPÖ. How might this victory in Styria influence those negotiations? Do you foresee any impact on the national political landscape?
**(Interviewer to Dr. Berger):** Dr. Berger, some analysts argue that the FPÖ’s rise reflects a broader trend of Euroscepticism and anti-immigration sentiment across Europe. Do you agree? And if so, what are the potential repercussions for the European Union as a whole?
**Section 3: Understanding the FPÖ’s Appeal**
**(Interviewer to Dr. Berger):** Dr. Berger, can you shed light on the FPÖ’s core message and its appeal to voters? What are the underlying anxieties or frustrations that the party appears to tap into?
**(Interviewer to Mr. Schmidt):** Mr. Schmidt, the FPÖ’s deputy leader in Styria described the victory as “sweeping”. What are the potential implications of such a strong mandate within a regional context? Could this set a precedent for future elections elsewhere in Austria?
**Section 4: Looking Ahead**
**(Interviewer to both guests):** Looking ahead, what are the potential scenarios for the FPÖ in Styria? What challenges might they face in governing, and how could this victory influence the party’s strategy on a national level?
**Conclusion:**
Thank you to both Dr. Berger and Mr. Schmidt for sharing their insights on this significant political development. The FPÖ’s victory in Styria undoubtedly raises important questions about the future of Austrian politics and its place within the European Union. World Today News will continue to monitor the situation closely and bring you further updates as they unfold.
