Austrian far right seeks path to power through blockade

Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPO) must seek to clear a path to power after its historic parliamentary election victory left the anti-establishment outfit needing a partner to form a governing coalition.

The triumph of the Eurosceptic, Russia-friendly FPO was another milestone in the recent rise of Europe's hard right. But the party immediately suffered a stiff reality check.

FPO Party Leader Herbert Kickl in a television studio listened as leaders of the other parties in parliament dismissed his overtures on forming a coalition.

The FPO finished around 2.5% ahead of Chancellor Karl Nehammer's conservative People's Party (OVP) to capture some 29% of the vote, its best result ever, and Mr Kickl accused his rivals of opposing the will of the people.

"Tomorrow there will be a blue Monday and then we will set about turning that 29% into a political reality in this country," Mr Kickl told supporters, playing on the fact blue is the colour associated with his party.

Mr Kickl, a provocative and polarising figure allied with Hungarian premier Viktor Orban, offered to negotiate with all other parties in Austria, whose electoral system means parties mostly govern in coalition.

The FPO won by more than opinion polls had suggested, but it risks being a hollow triumph if Mr Kickl cannot find a willing coalition partner.

It was seen as a victory for hard-right parties across Europe, where the far-right has made gains in countries including the Netherlands, France and Germany.

That growing support could stroke the risk of divisions inside the European Union over key policy areas like the defence of Ukraine against Russia.

Mr Kickl opposes aid to Ukraine and wants sanctions against Russia withdrawn.

Supporters said the FPO's "Austria First" policies will curb illegal immigration and lift the economy. Critics worry it could herald a more authoritarian state.

The FPO was founded in the 1950s under the leadership of an ex-Nazi politician, and the party has worked to moderate its image.

Voters were drawn by its pledges to restrict asylum and tackle inflation, though their attachment to Mr Kickl appears limited.

Just 2% of FPO voters said he was the main reason for their vote, the lowest of any party leader, a survey by pollster Foresight showed.

If Mr Kickl cannot assemble a coalition, it could open the door to some form of tie-up involving the OVP and the centre-left Social Democrats, the two parties that have dominated the post-war political history of Austria.