Formation of government: Tens of thousands protest against the right in Austria

Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in Austria against a societal shift to the right and the formation of a government led by a chancellor from the right-wing populist FPÖ. In Vienna alone, around 25,000 people gathered in front of the Chancellery that evening, according to authorities. There were also protests in Innsbruck, Salzburg and Graz. Almost at the same time, the conservative ÖVP announced that coalition negotiations with the FPÖ have now been formally agreed upon by both parties and should begin soon.

After the FPÖ’s election victory in the fall, the previous chancellor’s party, ÖVP, initially tried to forge a coalition from the centrist parties. After these talks collapsed last weekend, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl received the government mandate from Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen – and thus the chance to become chancellor.

“We are entering into negotiations with the FPÖ,” said ÖVP leader Christian Stocker. He once again cited the preservation of liberal democracy, Austria’s EU membership and the rejection of Russian influence as the “most important cornerstones” for his party. In doing so, he indirectly addressed the FPÖ’s EU-critical and Russia-friendly stance, which are seen as possible stumbling blocks.

The ÖVP and FPÖ largely agree on their restrictive stance against immigration. It is still unclear whether they can overcome their foreign policy differences to form a government. There are also atmospheric tensions between the two parties. Before the negotiations began, Kickl had demanded that the ÖVP admit responsibility for the economic crisis. The ÖVP, on the other hand, has repeatedly described the FPÖ as a security risk for Austria.

Protests in Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Graz

The demonstrators in Vienna held up signs and banners with messages such as “We don’t want a right-wing extremist Austria” and “Never again is now.” Many slogans were also directed against FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl as the possible next chancellor. The crowd booed when it was announced during the demonstration that the FPÖ and ÖVP had formally decided to start coalition negotiations.

The demonstration in Vienna was organized by social and church organizations as well as groups that support environmental issues and refugees. “There is a threat of an authoritarian attack on democracy, human rights, environmental protection and social cohesion in our country,” said their protest call. Left-wing parties were also represented at the rally.