To read this content please select one of the options below:

Divided vote raises pressure on Austria's government

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Significance

In the final run-off round that took place on May 22, Van der Bellen won 50.3% of the votes. His opponent Norbert Hofer, candidate of the populist far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), was narrowly defeated after postal ballots were counted, with 49.7%.

Impacts

  • Despite Hofer's defeat, the election was a success for the FPOe and will cement its position in the political mainstream.
  • The success of the FPOe is likely to serve as inspiration for like-minded parties in France and Germany.
  • Unless the government initiates overdue reforms to end political and economic stagnation, the FPOe may continue to grow in popularity.

Related articles

Expert Briefings logo