In this year, presidential election was held in Austria for three times. In the first round of elections candidate of far-right Freedom party Norbert Hofer and former leader of Green party, liberal candidate Alexander Van der- Bellen led. Liberal candidate Alexander Van der- Bellen won in the second round of presidential elections in May. But some irregularities were revealed in the results of second round and it was decided to organize third round on 4 December. Norbert Hofer and Alexander Van der- Bellen were in neck and neck in electoral surveys before third round. European left and liberal politicians had concerned about Hofer’s victory in presidential election. But, nationalist candidate was again defeated by liberal candidate. Norbert Hofer got 46 % of votes while Alexander Van der- Bellen got 53 % of votes.
Who is the Freedom party of Austria?
The government in Austria usually has been administrated by social democrats and centre-right parties since the end of Second World War. Interesting information is that the Freedom party also have been trying to play inviolable and strong role in Austrian political society for recent years. Freedom party of Austria is one of well-known far-right parties in Europe. European liberal and left politicians indicate animosity against Freedom party of Austria inasmuch as this party was established by Austrian Nazi officials. Freedom party were able to achieve enough votes in both presidential and municipal elections. Moreover, the party is steered by Heinz Cristrian Strache.
The political idea of Freedom party is based on preservation of national identity, traditional cultures and Catholic customs. Moreover, members of Freedom party are act neither in favour of globalisation, nor of intercultural relations. This party tend to carry out hostile policy against Islam, Muslims and immigrants. Leaders of radical nationalist party have stated for many times that Islam has no place in Austria, Islam is just directed to stake Judo-Christian religion and migrants are threat to Austrian national identity.
Austrian Freedom party prefer to maintain euroscepticism. Its leaders-Norbert Hofer and Heinz Cristrian Strache said that Austria should leave the European Union, if Turkey joins block or if Brussels attempt to take much power from Austria.
Freedom party of Austria have deep contact with other European far-right parties.
Why Hofer’s victory would be danger for the future of European Union?
The European Union encounter political crises while its institutions and members are striving with financial crises. EU’s multicultural and immigration policies, as well as terrorism and weak security increase strength of far-right parties. Nationalism is being intensified step by step that is enmity against European liberal ideology. In this year, the European Union faced two undesirable shocks. First, majorities in the United Kingdom voted in favour of leaving EU in referendum. Second, Donald Trump who is anti-Islam, anti-immigration and pro-Russian was elected as a president of the United States. BREXIT and Trump’s victory were appreciated positively by leaders of European far-right parties or other nationalist groups. From political opinion of experts, Trump’s victory encourage far-right parties to take control of governments in European countries, also BREXIT invigorate some European nations to sustain referendum on leaving the European Union. For example, Netherlands (NEXIT), France ( FREXIT), Germany (GREXIT), Austria (OIEXIT) and others. In some countries of European Union, far-right parties have reinstated to act strongly and significantly in political society for ten or fifteen years. All far-right parties are promoting campaign against other religions, cultures and non-European nations. For instance, leader of
People’s Freedom in the Netherlands Great Wilders insulted Moroccans. All of them have aim to back national and Christian values.
However, not all far-right parties are able to achieve their objects. For instance, candidate of Freedom party of Austria Norbert Hofer was defeated in presidential election that made pro-EU politicians very happy.
But, if Norbert Hofer won in presidential election, it would make liberal and left politicians to live in third shock, and it would threaten European integration deeply. Leaders of far-right parties; Front-National-Marine Le Pen, Alternative for Germany-Frauke Petre and People’s Freedom party of Netherlands-Greet Wilders would enjoy congratulating Norbert Hofer. Parliamentary and presidential elections will be held in the Netherlands, Germany and France in 2017. It is very obvious that if Norbert Hofer was elected as a president of Austria, it would inspire Marine Le Pen to win in next presidential election, as well as it would inflame both Alternatives For Germany and People’s Freedom party of Netherlands to obtain more seats in parliament in 2017.
By Yunis Abdullayev
