FPÖ: Data Analysis, Current Polls, and Policy Positions

The FPÖ was founded in 1956 and emerged from the Federation of Independents, an organization that represented former National Socialists. Under the leadership of Jörg Haider in the 1980s and 1990s, the party experienced a resurgence and established itself as a significant political force in Austria. Haider modernized the party and appealed to voters dissatisfied with traditional parties. In the following years, the FPÖ participated in several coalition governments, solidifying its role in Austrian politics.

The FPÖ represents a national conservative and EU-skeptical line. It emphasizes the importance of Austrian sovereignty and is critical of further integration into the European Union. The party calls for a restrictive migration policy and advocates for the preservation of traditional values. In its election program for the 2024 National Council election under the slogan 'Fortress Austria - Fortress of Freedom', the FPÖ advocated for strict control of migration and the repatriation of migrants to their countries of origin.

In the 2024 National Council election, the FPÖ achieved 28.8% of the votes, placing first for the first time and thus becoming the strongest political force in Austria. This result reflects a Europe-wide trend, in which right-wing populist parties are gaining influence. Despite this success, the FPÖ faces the challenge of finding coalition partners, as other parties, especially the conservative ÖVP under Chancellor Karl Nehammer, reject cooperation with the FPÖ.