Austria determines the future of Europe

The candidate from the Austrian Freedom Party - Norbert Hofer - leads in the second round of the presidential elections in Austria. His rival - former leader of the "Green" party Alexander Van der Bellen - trails behind by less than 1%. In the event of Hofer’s victory, he will become the first openly Eurosceptic right-wing president of a country within the European Union. In addition, Hofer’s victory could pave the way for the leader of the Austrian Freedom Party Heinz-Christian Strache to become the prime minister of the country.

Candidates' Positions

Hofer is in favor of a sovereign Austrian foreign policy, migration restrictions, removal of anti-Russian sanctions, and the recognition of Crimea as part of Russia. In addition, he called for the rejection of accession to the Transatlantic Partnership promoted by the United States. In domestic policy the candidate of the Freedom Party supports traditional values. His opponent delivers a left-liberal program, which supports sodomites, abortion, and the EU. At the last moment, fearing the growing popularity of Hofer, he changed his position on the Transatlantic partnership from the positive to the negative. An interesting element in the biography of Van der Bellen is his membership of a Masonic lodge.

The problem of the future chancellor

Although the President is regarded as a more ceremonial position as Austria is a parliamentary republic, both candidates are ready to use the levers of power that fall into their hands to maximum effect. The Austrian President may dissolve the lower house of parliament, and it is he who formally appoints the prime minister. Hofer is openly promising to dissolve parliament. In the event of early elections, the winning party will be FPO, which is leading in the opinion polls. Van der Bellen, in turn, said that he would not appoint Strache as prime minister even if the Freedom Party wins the election.

Strengthening continentalism?

In addition, the president is the supreme commander of neutral Austria. At present, the Austrian army leadership is Continentalist and seeks to strengthen relations with Russia. A Continentalist President could significantly strengthen the position of this group in the Austrian establishment.

Chance for Europe

Hofer's victory may serve as a trigger for political changes in other EU countries. Left-liberal EU leaders fear that the victory of the Austrian Freedom Party will lift the taboo on the coming to power of right-wing Continentalist and Euroscepticist politicians that will fundamentally change the face of Europe.

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Austria determines the future of Europe