As Austria gears up for its 2024 general elections, the political landscape is becoming increasingly dynamic, with the race for the chancellorship taking centre stage.
The election is set against a backdrop of economic challenges, social inequalities, and the rise in support for the far right, making the stakes higher than ever. The upcoming vote could significantly alter Austria’s political direction, with several key figures vying for the top position.
Among the frontrunners are Karl Nehammer, the incumbent chancellor seeking re-election; Andreas Babler, a rising force within the Social Democratic Party; and Herbert Kickl, the leader of the populist Freedom Party.
Each candidate offers a distinct vision for Austria’s future. With no party likely to secure an outright majority, the possibility of a coalition government—and even a compromise chancellor—looms large.
READ ALSO: How do Austrians elect their chancellor?
So, who is likely to be the next chancellor?
NATIONALRATSWAHL | Sonntagsfrage IFDD/Radio Content Austria
FPÖ: 27% (+1)
ÖVP: 25% (+1)
SPÖ: 21% (-1)
GRÜNE: 9%
NEOS: 8%
BIER: 5% (-1)
KPÖ: 2% (-1)
KEINE: 1% (NEU)
LMP: 1% (NEU)
Sonstige: 1% (-1)Änderungen zum 20. August 2024
Verlauf: https://t.co/roFKebZT5s#nrw #NRWahl pic.twitter.com/369p4BJUtB
— Österreich Wählt (@Wahlen_AT) August 29, 2024
Karl Nehammer – the incumbent (ÖVP)
Karl Nehammer, the current chancellor and leader of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), is aiming for re-election. Since taking office in 2021, Nehammer has focused on maintaining economic stability and addressing national security concerns, particularly during the war in Ukraine and Europe’s energy crisis.
His leadership has been marked by efforts to navigate Austria through these challenging times, but he faces criticism over the government’s handling of inflation, social inequality and immigration.
READ ALSO: What are the chancellor’s new plans for the country?
Andreas Babler – the social democrat challenger (SPÖ)
Representing the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ), Andreas Babler is one of the leading contenders to unseat Nehammer.
Babler has concentrated his campaign on addressing issues like income inequality, affordable housing, and strengthening public healthcare.
The SPÖ has a long history of leadership in Austria, particularly in the capital, Vienna. Babler aims to revitalise the party’s traditional base while also appealing to younger, urban voters.
His focus on social justice and economic fairness is designed to resonate with those who feel left behind by the current government’s policies.
BACKGROUND: Austria’s SPÖ party announces Babler as leader after vote mix-up
Herbert Kickl – the populist alternative (FPÖ)
Herbert Kickl, leader of the right-wing Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), offers a right-wing vision for Austria.
Known for his populist rhetoric, Kickl has centred his campaign on anti-immigration policies and a strong critique of the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, its migration policies and inflation-combating measures.
The FPÖ has a solid support base, particularly in rural areas, and has been growing throughout Austria.
For months, the party has led voting intention polls, and though the difference with the second-placed ÖVP decreases, the far-right party might be tasked with forming a government after the September elections.
If that happens, negotiation could prove tricky in Austria. Most parties have already announced they wouldn’t agree to a coalition with the right-wing populists. The ÖVP, FPÖ’s former partner, has said they don’t rule out a partnership with the Freedom Party, only with its leader, Kickl.
READ ALSO: What would a far-right FPÖ-led government mean for Austria?
The possibility of a compromise Chancellor
With Austria’s proportional representation system often leading to coalition governments, there is the potential for a three-way coalition after the election.
In such a scenario, the two largest parties might agree to appoint a chancellor from a smaller coalition partner as a compromise candidate.
This approach could bridge the differences between the major parties and create a more stable governing coalition. However, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl has already stated he wouldn’t agree to that solution.
READ NEXT: What the political parties in Austria’s election race stand for
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