Divided vote raises pressure on Austria's government
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.
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