A Normal(ised) Far-Right Party? A Long-Term Perspective on the FPÖ's Electoral Strength in Austria

The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) has been a pioneer of 'populism' in Europe. In the 2024 general election, for the first time, it became the party which attracted the most votes. What explains the FPÖ's major role in Austrian politics and its quick resurgence after the infamous 'Ibiza-gate' scandal? This articel highlights three crucial aspects. First, it examines far-right normalisation in Austria as a long-term phenomenon because of mainstream parties' strategic attemps to benefit from cooperation. Second, it analyses the FPÖ's success in 2024 as a demand-side phenomenom in the context of crisis and the increasing fragmentation of the Austrian party system. Third, it shows how, despite the FPÖ's failed post-election government negotiations, not only has Austria's centre-right party considered a common coalition, but also business interest groups and even key social-democratic politicians endorse the inclusion of the FPÖ in government. The articel emphasises the broader significance of the Austrian case for understanding the contemporary far right.

Diese Studie entstand im Rahmen der BMBF-Nachwuchsgruppe REXKLIMA und ist Open Access in der Fachzeitschrift The Political Quarterly erschienen.

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