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Austrian elections: Who could be the next chancellor?

As Austria heads towards its crucial 2024 federal election, the race to be the next chancellor is heating up with several leading contenders vying for the top job.

Published: 2 September 2024 13:53 CEST
Austrian elections: Who could be the next chancellor?
A biker riding outside the parliament in Vienna. (Photo by Joe Klamar / AFP)

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?

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP)

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?

SPÖ leader Andreas Babler. ((c) Andreas Babler)

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

Chairman of Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) Herbert Kickl speaks during a party campaign rally

Chairman of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) Herbert Kickl speaks during a party campaign rally in February 2023. A controversial PR video by the youth wing of the party criticised for its overt extreme-right and Nazi references has provoked a public outcry in the Alpine nation. Photo: Alex HALADA / AFP

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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Reader question: Can I vote in Austria’s national elections?

Austria’s national elections are scheduled for September 29th, but not everyone will have a say. Find out who can vote in these crucial elections and how foreigners can still make their voices heard.

Published: 20 September 2024 09:57 CEST
Reader question: Can I vote in Austria's national elections?

On September 29th, Austria will hold its highly anticipated national elections to elect a new parliament, marking a crucial moment for the country’s political future. 

The election comes at a time of growing political polarisation, with the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) leading in the polls, followed closely by the centre-right Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP). The centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) remains in third place, trailing behind its rivals.

READ ALSO: Austrian elections: Who could be the next chancellor?

As political tensions rise and critical issues like immigration and inflation dominate the discourse, these elections could significantly shift Austria’s political landscape. 

However, while the stakes are high, a large segment of the population won’t be able to vote, mainly because of Austria’s restrictive citizenship laws. 

Who can vote in Austria’s national elections?

The only people allowed to vote in Austrian federal elections are Austrian citizens aged 16 or above. This means foreigners – even those who have lived in Austria for decades – are not entitled to vote unless they have acquired Austrian citizenship. 

The country’s strict naturalisation process typically requires at least ten years of legal residence and a high income. Applicants must also give up their original nationality, as dual citizenship is rarely permitted.

While Austria is home to a large foreign-born population, many cannot participate in the political process. In Vienna, for example, as many as one in three residents of voting age cannot vote due to their non-Austrian citizenship. This leaves around 1.5 million people nationwide unable to vote in the upcoming elections, representing around 19 percent of the population aged 16 and over.

READ ALSO: What makes Austrian citizenship so hard to get?

How can foreigners “vote” in the elections?

A symbolic alternative for the many residents excluded from Austria’s national elections has been offered: the “Pass Egal” election, organised by the non-governmental organisation SOS Mitmensch. Since 2013, the Pass Egal election has given foreigners a platform to ‘vote’ and express their political preferences.

The Pass Egal election is open to anyone aged 16 or older who lives in Austria but does not have Austrian citizenship. Even Austrians who wish to show solidarity with non-voters can participate. This symbolic election gives a voice to those otherwise excluded from official polls, allowing them to vote for the parties running in the National Council elections.

In 2022, for example, more than 8,500 people from 86 countries participated in a mock election for federal president. 

While the vote doesn’t impact the actual elections, it highlights the political engagement of Austria’s foreign residents and adds visibility to the debate on voting rights and citizenship reform.

READ MORE: How foreigners can ‘vote’ in the Austrian national elections

What’s at stake in Austria’s national elections?

This year’s elections will shape the composition of Austria’s National Council and influence the country’s future political direction.

With the FPÖ leading in the polls, the possibility of a far-right resurgence is a crucial issue, while the ÖVP and SPÖ are working to gain ground in what is expected to be a highly competitive election.

For the large segment of Austria’s population that is excluded from voting due to the country’s citizenship laws, the Pass Egal election provides a way to engage politically, even if only symbolically. 

As the number of non-citizen residents in Austria grows, the debate over expanding voting rights to non-citizens and making the naturalisation process more accessible will continue.

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